Virginia approves redistricting, giving Democrats edge in midterms

Virginia voters will decide on a new congressional map that could help Democrats win control of the House of Representatives. The referendum, which is being held on Tuesday, would change the state's constitution to set aside a nonpartisan redistricting process through the 2030 census. This move aims to counter President Donald Trump's effort to use mid-decade redistricting to preserve Republican control of Congress. The current maps could potentially flip five Republican-held seats in Virginia, giving Democrats a majority. The issue has engaged many voters, with nearly 1.37 million ballots cast in early voting. The outcome will determine the fate of Abigail Spanberger's bid to redraw the maps and could have implications for the November midterm elections.

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.