Polls open in Virginia congressional redistricting vote

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(The Center Square) – Voters are in the Virginia polls, choosing yes or no on a constitutional amendment that could sway four seats in the U.S. House of Representatives come November.

New congressional redistricting maps were ignited by second-term Republican Donald Trump’s pressure onto Texas in 2025. Thus far, redraws have given hope for Republicans to gain three seats; Virginia could change that to a one seat deficit.

The state has six Democrats and five Republicans in the House, and if the amendment passes would be forecast to reach a 10-1 edge. In the last statewide presidential vote of 2024, Democrat Kamala Harris edged Trump 51.8%-46.1%.

More than 1 million people voted early. Polls opened Tuesday at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

According to the Department of Elections, state law today is, “Virginia’s 11 congressional districts are drawn once every 10 years by the Virginia Redistricting Commission, a legislative body made up of eight legislators and eight citizens, with an equal number of Republicans and Democrats. Virginia’s congressional districts were last redrawn in 2021 and will next be redrawn in 2031.”

Presented to voters for a yes or no is, “Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia’s standard redistricting process resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?”

If yes wins, the General Assembly – Democrats have majorities in the Senate and House of Delegates, and occupy the governor's seat – has responsibility and already has a map presented and in litigation. The redistricting commission would get responsibility to resume drawing the maps in 2031.

If no wins, there’s no change to congressional districts this year.

According to campaign finance records, a combined $89 million was spent in support of the amendment – a figure dwarfing the $2.7 million combined total to support and opposition the last redistricting amendment in the state passed by voters 65.7%-34.3%.

Opposition spending is more than $22 million. The combined $111 million is distant from California’s $172.7 million spent by both sides to sway voters for change.

Virginia's decision may not be clear late Tuesday. All mailed ballots must be received by Friday at noon in the general registrar’s office.

New maps are in play for the 2026 elections in California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas. Litigation has also led to changes in Utah and remains ongoing in Georgia, Louisiana and New York.

In addition to Virginia, Florida next week begins a special session on the matter. Neighboring Maryland’s bid died last week.

In the last election, Republicans won a 220-215 majority; today, it’s 217-213 with one independent and four vacancies.

Of the states with changes, Republicans have potential for a net gain of three seats. California has the potential to flip five seats to Democrats for a 48-4 representation for the party and Utah one to Democrats cutting into Republicans’ 4-0 representation. For Republicans, Missouri (to 7-1) and North Carolina (to 11-3) could gain one seat each; Ohio two (to 12-3); and Texas five (to 30-7).