Virginia Court Weighs Legality of New Redistricting Map Approved Last Week
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The Virginia Supreme Court heard arguments in a Republican challenge to a newly approved state congressional map, which was redrawn by the Democratic-led legislature and passed by voters in a recent referendum.
- The key issue concerns a constitutional amendment allowing the General Assembly to redraw congressional districts mid-decade if other states have done so first, a change approved by Virginians by a narrow margin last week.
- Democrats argue the new map, which favors their party in four Republican-held districts, is a necessary response to national redistricting battles, while Republicans contend procedural errors related to the timing of legislative approval invalidate the amendment.
- Former President Trump criticized the amendment and referendum results as "totally unconstitutional" and alleged widespread cheating during the vote.
- The court's decision carries significant national implications, potentially affecting the balance of power in Congress after the midterm elections.
