Story perspectives

Virginia Supreme Court Reviews Tight Redistricting Vote Challenge

4/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Virginia Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutionality of the voter-approved redistricting amendment.
Oral arguments were heard on April 27, 2026 in Richmond; no ruling yet.
Voters approved the amendment 51.5% to 48.5%, a margin under 100,000 of 3 million votes.
Republican plaintiffs claim the legislature’s first vote after early voting began breached the pre-election approval requirement.
Attorney Matthew Seligman argues the amendment complied with law and the voters’ decision should be respected.

History

Historical Context

After the Warren Court declared redistricting a justiciable right in Baker v. Carr (1962) and imposed “one person, one vote” in Reynolds v. Sims (1964), states reshaped legislative maps to equalize populations. Virginia’s 2026 amendment battle—backed by the General Assembly and attorney Matthew Seligman but challenged by Attorney General Jason Miyares—tests that same constitutional requirement.

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Story summary

Virginia Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutionality of the voter-approved redistricting amendment.
Oral arguments were heard on April 27, 2026 in Richmond; no ruling yet.
Voters approved the amendment 51.5% to 48.5%, a margin under 100,000 of 3 million votes.
Republican plaintiffs claim the legislature’s first vote after early voting began breached the pre-election approval requirement.
Attorney Matthew Seligman argues the amendment complied with law and the voters’ decision should be respected.

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