PROPOSED NEW LOOK: Controversial redistricting would greatly expand 9th District (copy) (copy)
On Friday the Virginia Supreme Court allowed an April referendum on Congressional redistricting to proceed, even though the final order is expected after the election is concluded.
The state’s high court will allow the election to occur on April 21 but has said it may allow oral arguments with a ruling unlikely until after the election. The referendum, which was fast-tracked through the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, could allow Democrats to pick up additional seats in the November general election.
This map reflects the proposed revisions to Virginia's 11 Congressional districts.
According to the map, the greatest change would occur in the 9th District which is essentially Southwest Virginia west of Roanoke. The revision would add a substantial portion of the current 6th House District, including Highland and Augusta counties.
The proposed constitutional amendment is a simple yes or no vote. The question that reads, "Should the constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia's standard redistricting process resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?"
Virginians approved redistricting in 2021.
This is how the redistricting question is to appear on the April 21 ballot.
Early voting for this referendum will begin March 6, Bristol Virginia General Registrar Blakely Morris said Friday.
“We start early voting on March 6 at City Hall,” he said. “On April 21, it will be like a regular election. All polling places will be open that day.”
The deadline to register to vote in that election is April 14 and the deadline to request an absentee ballot is April 10. Early voting concludes April 18.
Virginia State Sen. Surovell speaks to HB 1384 concerning redistricting
Morris said he was uncertain about turnout but said it could be substantial since this is a “hot topic.”
dmcgee@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @DMcGeeBHC
