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NewsMother JonesMay 8, 2026United States

Virginia Supreme Court Overturns Redistricting Referendum

The Virginia Supreme Court has invalidated a recent voter-approved redistricting referendum, ruling that it violated the state constitution's requirements for legislative amendments. This decision effectively nullifies the results of the referendum and impacts the projected number of US House seats for both political parties in the upcoming election.

redistrictingelectionsjudiciaryvoting rightsVirginia politics
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Why It Matters

The court's decision removes a redistricting plan that was expected to shift the balance of US House seats in Virginia, potentially affecting the national partisan composition of Congress.

Key Facts

  • The Virginia Supreme Court ruled 4-3 to overturn a redistricting referendum approved by voters in April 2026.
  • The court determined the referendum violated the state Constitution because amendments must be passed twice by the legislature with an election in between.
  • The court found the first legislative passage occurred after early voting had already started, invalidating the process.
  • The ruling nullifies approximately three million votes cast during the referendum.
  • The referendum was expected to net Democrats four new US House seats in Virginia.
  • Analysts estimate Democrats could face a four to five-seat disadvantage nationally heading into November due to this and other state-level redistricting decisions.
  • Chief Justice Cleo Powell dissented, arguing the majority incorrectly expanded the definition of 'election' to include the early voting period.

Who's Mentioned

personCleo Powell“Chief Justice who wrote the dissenting opinion.”organizationVirginia Supreme Court“The court that issued the 4-3 ruling overturning the referendum.”locationFairfax Government Center“Site of the redistricting referendum signs.”personAmy Walter“Analyst from the Cook Political Report who provided seat disadvantage estimates.”personDonald Trump“Cited as having ordered Texas to gerrymander five new Republican seats.”