Early voting for redistricting amendment in VA gets underway

Early voting for the controversial Virginia redistricting amendment began Friday. If approved, the amendment would allow Democrats to redraw maps and likely give them 4 more U.S. House seats in Virginia. The maps would likely go into effect for the 2026 election and remain in place through 2030. There are still questions as to whether the amendment would take effect if approved. The Virginia Supreme Court ruled earlier in the week that the statewide referendum can be held on April 21, but the court is still deciding whether the mid-decade redistricting amendment and referendum are legal, indicating that the scheduled vote could be all for nothing if a lower court ruling blocking the effort is upheld. Last year, President Donald Trump launched a redistricting battle by getting Republican officials in Texas to redraw districts to help his party win more seats.