Virginia takes redistricting wars to the voters as Democrats seek 10-1 congressional map

Key Points:

• Virginia voters are deciding on a referendum to amend the state constitution allowing mid-decade redistricting that favors Democrats by a 10-1 margin in congressional districts, with polls open until 7 p.m. ET Tuesday and high early turnout reported.
• The proposed redistricting would use maps drawn by the Democratic-controlled Assembly, giving Democrats an advantage in 10 of the 11 House seats until the 2030 election, breaking up traditionally Democratic areas and extending districts into conservative regions.
• Republicans, including former President Trump, strongly oppose the referendum, warning voters to reject it, while Democrats frame the vote as part of a national effort to counter GOP redistricting efforts in states like Texas and Missouri.
• The referendum is controversial even among some Democrats and has sparked bipartisan opposition, with critics arguing it undermines fair, bipartisan map drawing and could energize Republican voters in a politically competitive state.
• Nearly $100 million has been spent on the campaign, mostly from dark money groups, and experts note that despite multiple redistricting battles nationwide, the overall House map balance has not shifted significantly yet, with Virginia's outcome potentially influencing the national redistricting landscape.