It’s finally official: After weeks of confusion, Virginia voters are headed to the polls, where they will get to vote on whether to allow Democrats to redraw the state’s congressional map in response to President Donald Trump’s unprecedented mid-decade gerrymanders in GOP-controlled states.
Early voting begins today and runs through Apr. 18. Election day is April 21.
Democrats are getting support from two heavy hitters – former President Barack Obama and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, both of whom have endorsed the plan.
Last year, California voters resoundingly approved a measure that let Democrats redraw the state’s congressional map to counter potential GOP gains in Texas.
Now, Virginia voters are getting their own chance to play a key role in determining how Trump’s national redistricting arms race plays out. Virginia’s proposed “10-1” map could net Democrats four more seats in Congress.
And with Florida Republicans set to begin a redistricting special session next month, the Virginia vote couldn’t be more timely. While we don’t know yet how many seats the Florida GOP aims to pick up, it’s pretty clear that the Virginia redistricting plan could be Democrats’ best countermove.
In response to GOP legal challenges, the Virginia Supreme Court has now ruled twice that the election can move forward. But even if voters greenlight the plan, the state’s highest court will still have the final say.
