Virginia judge blocks redistricting referendum from being certified
WSET • • general
Key Points:
- A Virginia judge from the Tazewell Circuit Court blocked the state from certifying the results of Tuesday's congressional map referendum, ruling the referendum and the bill that triggered it unconstitutional.
- Attorney General Jay Jones confirmed his office will appeal the decision, emphasizing that voters have spoken and opposing judicial veto over the election outcome.
- The referendum had narrowly passed, proposing to redraw congressional maps potentially favoring Democrats with 10 of 11 U.S. House seats, up from the current 6 Democrats and 5 Republicans.
- The Republican National Committee praised the ruling, calling the redistricting effort a "blatant power grab" and accusing Democrats of misleading voters and violating state law.
- The Virginia Supreme Court had previously overruled circuit court blocks on the referendum and is expected to hear ongoing related cases; multiple lawsuits continue to challenge the referendum.
