Overview
- The Democratic-controlled General Assembly has already approved a constitutional amendment enabling a mid-decade redistricting referendum.
- Del. Luke Torian filed implementing legislation, advanced by the House Appropriations Committee, pointing to April 21 as the likely special election date.
- Both chambers must pass the implementing bills and Governor Abigail Spanberger must sign them before the referendum can be scheduled, and she has voiced support.
- The proposed ballot question would permit the legislature to adopt temporary congressional districts, with the independent commission resuming after the 2030 census.
- Democrats plan to release draft maps by January 30, while Republicans denounce the effort as a partisan power grab and outside analyses project outcomes as favorable to Democrats.