Virginia Sends Mid-Decade Redistricting Amendment to Voters

Virginia lawmakers on Friday completed the final legislative step to send a constitutional amendment to voters, potentially allowing a mid-decade redraw of the state's congressional districts ahead of this year's midterm elections. The measure, if approved, would enable the Democratic-controlled legislature to bypass the bipartisan redistricting commission and adjust boundaries in response to similar actions in other states.

The Virginia Senate approved the amendment in a 21-18 vote along party lines, following a similar passage in the House earlier this week. Under state law, the proposal required approval in two consecutive legislative sessions, a process that began last fall before November's elections. The amendment now heads to a special election ballot expected in April, at least 90 days after final passage, giving voters a chance to weigh in before the June 16 primaries.

Democrats, who currently hold six of Virginia's 11 U.S. House seats, aim to craft a new map that could favor their party in nine or 10 districts, netting three or four additional seats. Lawmakers have pledged to release proposed maps this month, ensuring voters can review them before casting ballots....