Virginia judge blocks redistricting referendum from being certified
WJLA • • nation
Key Points:
- A Virginia judge blocked the state from certifying the results of Tuesday's congressional map referendum, ruling the referendum and the triggering bill unconstitutional.
- The Tazewell Circuit Court issued the order, siding with Republicans who had filed lawsuits against the referendum, though the Virginia Supreme Court had previously overruled similar blocking orders.
- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones confirmed his office will appeal the decision, emphasizing the need to defend the voters' choice.
- The referendum narrowly passed, aiming to redraw congressional maps potentially favoring Democrats with 10 of 11 U.S. House seats, shifting from the current 6 Democrats and 5 Republicans.
- The Republican National Committee criticized the redistricting effort as a "blatant power grab," accusing Democrats of misleading voters and violating state law.
