Story perspectives

Virginia Supreme Court Reviews Redistricting Vote, Delays Possible

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Virginia Supreme Court began oral arguments on April 27 to decide if the amendment meets timing rules and whether ‘election’ means the November day or the early-voting.
Voters approved the amendment on April 21 to redraw 11 districts, a map that could give Democrats a 10-to-1 House advantage.
Judge Jack Hurley blocked the referendum for a 90-day notice violation, prompting an injunction that could delay certification past May 4 and affect filing due May 26.

History

Historical Context

The Supreme Court’s 1986 decision in Davis v. Bandemer first held that partisan gerrymandering could violate the Equal Protection Clause, noting that Pennsylvania Democrats earned 51.9% of the vote yet secured only 43 of 100 seats. Decades later, the Virginia General Assembly’s 2024 amendment to redraw 11 districts echoes that precedent, reviving courts’ role in scrutinizing partisan maps.

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Story summary

Virginia Supreme Court began oral arguments on April 27 to decide if the amendment meets timing rules and whether ‘election’ means the November day or the early-voting.
Voters approved the amendment on April 21 to redraw 11 districts, a map that could give Democrats a 10-to-1 House advantage.
Judge Jack Hurley blocked the referendum for a 90-day notice violation, prompting an injunction that could delay certification past May 4 and affect filing due May 26.

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