Virginia voters deciding on redistricting plan that could boost Democrats’ seats in Congress

Virginia voters are deciding whether to ratify a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow them to approve new congressional districts drawn by state lawmakers, bypassing the state's bipartisan redistricting commission. The referendum is seen as a test of Democrats' ability to push back against President Donald Trump's efforts to gerrymander districts for political advantage. Virginia is the second state, after California, to put the question to voters, following a similar move by Texas Republicans last year. The proposal comes six years after Virginia voters approved an amendment aimed at diminishing partisan gamesmanship in redistricting. The outcome of the referendum may not be final, as the state Supreme Court considers whether the plan is illegal. The decision could impact the balance of power in Congress.