Virginia votes for redistricting, giving Democrats a boost : NPR

A person votes Tuesday in the Virginia redistricting referendum at a polling place in Alexandria.

Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

hide caption

toggle caption

Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

Virginia voters have given Democrats a notable victory as the state plans to redraw its congressional districts before the upcoming midterm election.

As reported by The Associated Press, a slight majority of voters in Virginia approved a ballot measure proposed by the Democratic-led legislature. This measure allows the legislature to bypass the state’s bipartisan redistricting commission and establish more districts that benefit Democrats.

The revised district map could enable Democrats to secure 10 out of Virginia’s 11 congressional seats, an increase from the six currently held by the party. This four-seat gain could significantly impact the Democrats’ efforts to reclaim the U.S. House this fall.

Virginia’s special redistricting election was closely observed due to the high stakes involved. Polls indicated that voters were somewhat divided on the ballot measure, and a flood of campaign advertisements from both sides left many voters confused.

The vote in Virginia is the latest chapter in a redistricting battle that began last year when President Trump urged Texas lawmakers to create five additional Republican-leaning seats. Soon after, California voters supported a plan to establish five Democratic-leaning seats, effectively nullifying the expected Republican gains from Texas.

Meanwhile, Republicans in Missouri and North Carolina have created a few more seats favoring their party, giving them a slight advantage heading into the midterms.

However, Virginia’s decision could negate this advantage.

Legal challenges remain, as the Virginia Supreme Court has yet to rule on the redistricting initiative, which could halt the use of the new districts in this year’s elections.

Florida is also poised to enter the national redistricting fray. Governor Ron DeSantis has called for a special session at the end of the month, urging lawmakers to draw more districts favoring the Republican Party. Unlike Virginia, Florida lawmakers are not seeking voter approval, despite a 2010 ballot measure that prohibits drawing maps to favor one party over another.