Story perspectives

Judge Blocks Virginia Redistricting Referendum Over Constitutional Flaw

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Jack Hurley ruled April 22 referendum violated Virginia’s constitution because lawmakers omitted 90-day notice and used misleading ballot language.
The Tazewell County Circuit Court blocked certification of the 51.5%-to-48.6% referendum and barred map that would have let the General Assembly redraw 11 districts, giving Democrats a 10-to-1 advantage.
Attorney General Jay Jones will appeal, arguing voters’ choice should be respected and joining fight sparked by President Donald Trump’s GOP-favored maps.

History

Historical Context

Supreme Court’s 1962 Baker v. Carr decision, written by Justice William J. Brennan, declared redistricting justiciable and established the “one-person-one-vote” rule that compelled states such as Virginia to redraw maps covering about 71 % of voters. Today, Judge Jack Hurley and Attorney General Jay Jones dispute Tazewell County’s referendum, where the vote split 51.5 %-to-48.6 % on the new district plan.

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Story summary

Judge Jack Hurley ruled April 22 referendum violated Virginia’s constitution because lawmakers omitted 90-day notice and used misleading ballot language.
The Tazewell County Circuit Court blocked certification of the 51.5%-to-48.6% referendum and barred map that would have let the General Assembly redraw 11 districts, giving Democrats a 10-to-1 advantage.
Attorney General Jay Jones will appeal, arguing voters’ choice should be respected and joining fight sparked by President Donald Trump’s GOP-favored maps.

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