Story perspectives

Judge Halts Virginia Redistricting Referendum, Calls Ballot Misleading

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Jack Hurley Jr. ruled referendum’s ballot question misleading and halted certification.
The amendment would let Virginia redraw districts mid-decade, creating a 10-1 Democratic House advantage.
Republican lawmakers and the Republican National Committee sued, saying the amendment violated timing rules.
Attorney General Jay Jones announced an immediate appeal, calling the judge’s order an activist veto.
The referendum passed 51.5% yes after high early-voting turnout in GOP-leaning and Northern Virginia areas.

History

Historical Context

In 2011, Virginia's General Assembly passed a law permitting mid-decade redistricting, enabling Republicans to secure a 68% majority in the House of Delegates. This move followed the 2010 census, which reshaped district boundaries, often leading to partisan gerrymandering. Ongoing legal disputes, including a 2019 Supreme Court ruling, highlight the contentious nature of redistricting and its impact on electoral fairness and representation.

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Story summary

Judge Jack Hurley Jr. ruled referendum’s ballot question misleading and halted certification.
The amendment would let Virginia redraw districts mid-decade, creating a 10-1 Democratic House advantage.
Republican lawmakers and the Republican National Committee sued, saying the amendment violated timing rules.
Attorney General Jay Jones announced an immediate appeal, calling the judge’s order an activist veto.
The referendum passed 51.5% yes after high early-voting turnout in GOP-leaning and Northern Virginia areas.

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