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Virginia Democrats Push Controversial Redistricting Amendment Amid Criticism

1/19/2026

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Democrats Redistrict Advantage

Virginia Democrats advance a constitutional amendment to redraw congressional maps, aiming for a 10-1 seat advantage.
The state Senate passed the measure along party lines.
A spring special election will finalize the decision.
Critics, including Republican strategist Michael Young, argue the move undermines norms and constitutes a power grab.
Democrats say the changes counter GOP-led gerrymandering in other states and include felon voting rights restoration, same-sex marriage, and abortion access.

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Virginia Repeals Felon Voting Ban

The Virginia General Assembly advanced a constitutional amendment to repeal Virginia's lifetime voting ban for felons.
The amendment, passed by both chambers, would restore voting rights automatically upon release.
Advocates say the reform is essential for democracy, though Republicans worry about leniency.
The ballot will appear this November, the first felony disenfranchisement vote since California's 2020 measure.
Supporters say the change would prevent governors from arbitrarily deciding voting rights.

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Democrats Redistrict Advantage

Virginia Democrats advance a constitutional amendment to redraw congressional maps, aiming for a 10-1 seat advantage.
The state Senate passed the measure along party lines.
A spring special election will finalize the decision.
Critics, including Republican strategist Michael Young, argue the move undermines norms and constitutes a power grab.
Democrats say the changes counter GOP-led gerrymandering in other states and include felon voting rights restoration, same-sex marriage, and abortion access.

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