Story perspectives

Virginia AG Seeks SCOTUS Stay on Void Redistricting Ruling

5/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Attorney General Jay Jones asked the U.S. Supreme Court for a stay of the May 8 ruling that voided a voter-approved redistricting map.
The Virginia Supreme Court declared the April 21 referendum unconstitutional because it appeared on the ballot after early voting began, breaching the legislative requirement.
Chief Justice John Roberts set a Thursday 5 p.m. deadline for replies after Jones argued decision conflicts with federal law and overturns 52 % voter approval.

History

Historical Context

The 1965 Voting Rights Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, forced jurisdictions with historic voting tests to seek preclearance. After the Supreme Court struck down the coverage formula in Shelby County v. Holder on June 25 2013, the Justice Department still required 13 Southern states and over 2,000 localities to obtain approval. Now Jay Jones asks Chief Justice John Roberts for a stay, echoing that legacy.

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Story summary

Attorney General Jay Jones asked the U.S. Supreme Court for a stay of the May 8 ruling that voided a voter-approved redistricting map.
The Virginia Supreme Court declared the April 21 referendum unconstitutional because it appeared on the ballot after early voting began, breaching the legislative requirement.
Chief Justice John Roberts set a Thursday 5 p.m. deadline for replies after Jones argued decision conflicts with federal law and overturns 52 % voter approval.

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