Virginia Lawmakers Pass Redistricting Amendment for Voter Approval
Virginia lawmakers have taken a significant step towards altering the state’s congressional map. On Friday, the state Senate approved a constitutional amendment that allows for mid-decade redistricting. This amendment will now proceed to a public vote, anticipated to be on the ballot this spring.
Details of the Redistricting Amendment
If the amendment receives voter approval, it will enable Virginia’s Democratic-majority legislature to redraw the congressional map ahead of the midterm elections. The proposed changes aim to bypass the state’s bipartisan redistricting commission under specific circumstances.
- Redistricting can occur if another state redraws its map outside the regular decade cycle.
- A court order can also trigger redistricting changes in Virginia.
Political Implications
Currently, Democrats control six out of Virginia’s eleven congressional districts. They hope to gain three or four additional seats via this amendment. The National Democratic Redistricting Committee, led by former Attorney General Eric Holder, has provided insights into potential new maps. Sources indicate that one favorable map could yield up to ten Democratic seats, while others might secure nine.
Timeline and Future Steps
Virginia Democratic lawmakers plan to release a proposed congressional map this month. The process has been intricate. Lawmakers approved the amendment during two separate legislative sessions, with elections in between. Following the passage of the measure, both chambers reconvened this week in Richmond.
- The amendment must be on the ballot at least 90 days after final legislative approval.
- This deadline points to April 16 for voter consideration.
Given that Virginia’s primaries are scheduled for June, lawmakers will need to call a special election to implement the new map in time for the current election year.
