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Court rejects Virginia redistricting in a blow to Democrats' counter to Trump, GOP
TL;DR
The Virginia Supreme Court has invalidated the congressional redistricting approved by voters, hindering Democrats' efforts against GOP map changes. The court ruled that procedural errors occurred in how the redistricting question was placed on the ballot.
Key points
- Virginia Supreme Court invalidated congressional redistricting
- Ruling is a setback for Democrats against GOP map changes
- Voters approved redistricting amendment by 52% to 48%
- Procedural errors were found in the ballot question process
State Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, center, speaks with the media following a hearing on new congressional maps before the state Supreme Court in Richmond, Va. on April 27. Allen G. Breed/AP
Allen G. Breed/AP
The Supreme Court of Virginia struck down the congressional redistricting approved by voters in April. The ruling is a major setback for Democrats' attempt to counter the pro-GOP reshuffling of voting maps led by President Trump.
Commonwealth voters approved by a 52% to 48% margin a constitutional amendment April 21 to allow redistricting. Responding to a lawsuit brought by Republicans, the court found that the legislature made procedural errors in how it placed the question on the ballot.
The majority opinion of the state supreme court found that the legislature violated the multi-step process for putting constitutional amendments on the ballot and that, "This constitutional violation incurably taints the resulting referendum vote and nullifies its legal efficacy."
"This violation irreparably undermines the integrity of the resulting referendum vote and renders it null and void," the majority wrote. It ordered that the state must use the same congressional district map in the upcoming election as it used in 2022 and 2024.
The redistricting could have helped Democrats win four House seats held by Republicans. That, combined with five seats tilted toward Democrats in California and one in Utah, made 10 seats.
But the ruling will now put the GOP and President Trump's redistricting push far in the lead — by perhaps 10 or even 12 seats. Republican hold the U.S. House with a few seats more than Democrats already.
Florida lawmakers have since redistricted in that state in April bring to about 13 seats nationally where they've gained an edge. Then, after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened voting rights for minority communities last week, Republicans in Tennessee, Alabama and Louisiana began redistricting in their states. Tennessee approved a new map aimed at flipping one Democratic seat Thursday.
Q&A
What did the Virginia Supreme Court rule about the congressional redistricting?
The Virginia Supreme Court struck down the congressional redistricting approved by voters due to procedural errors in placing the question on the ballot.
How did voters respond to the redistricting amendment in Virginia?
Voters approved the constitutional amendment for redistricting by a margin of 52% to 48% on April 21.
What impact does the ruling have on Democrats in Virginia?
The ruling is a significant setback for Democrats as it undermines their efforts to counter the pro-GOP reshuffling of voting maps.
Why did Republicans challenge the redistricting in Virginia?
Republicans challenged the redistricting based on claims of procedural errors made by the legislature regarding the ballot question.
