Early Voting Begins for Virginia Redistricting Referendum

Referendum could reshape state's congressional map ahead of midterms

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Early voting is set to begin Friday across Virginia for an April 21 statewide referendum that could allow the Democrat-controlled General Assembly to redraw the state's 11 congressional districts before the November midterm elections. The referendum has drawn national attention as both parties look to influence control of the U.S. House.

Why it matters

The proposed map would shift nearly half of Virginia residents into new congressional districts, likely favoring Democrats in as many as 10 of the state's 11 districts. This has sparked debate over what constitutes 'fair' redistricting, with Republicans questioning the fairness of the new map.

The details

The referendum would temporarily suspend Virginia's bipartisan redistricting commission and allow the Democrat-controlled legislature to redraw the congressional map. If approved, the new map would attempt to limit Republicans to a single district in the state's far southwestern corner. Two new competitive districts are also proposed, centered on Blacksburg/Roanoke and Hampton Roads.

  • Early in-person voting for the referendum begins on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • The referendum election is scheduled for April 21, 2026.
  • The Supreme Court of Virginia is set to hear arguments on the amendment's legality after the April 21 vote.

The players

Jay Jones

Virginia Attorney General who moved quickly to bring the case before the Supreme Court of Virginia.

Don Scott

Democratic Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, who said the court's ruling ensures voters will decide the issue.

Alex Keena

Associate professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University, who discussed the debate over 'fairness' in redistricting.

Hakeem Jeffries

U.S. House Minority Leader who said national Democrats would invest heavily in the referendum effort.

Dan Helmer

Virginia state delegate who has already launched his bid for the Democratic nomination in a redrawn 7th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“We moved quickly to protect the orderly administration of this election. The Court's order is clear: the referendum election will proceed. I'm grateful to the lawyers in the Office of the Attorney General who worked swiftly and skillfully to ensure that the voices of Virginians will be heard at the ballot box.”

— Jay Jones, Virginia Attorney General (Virginia Mercury)

“The Supreme Court of Virginia's decision ensures that this referendum will move forward and that Virginians will have the opportunity to make their voices heard. This question has always belonged to the voters, and I'm glad the Court made clear that the people will decide.”

— Don Scott, Speaker, Virginia House of Delegates (Virginia Mercury)

“We will spend tens of millions of dollars to make sure … that voters have all of the information necessary to make a decision around whether they want Donald Trump to rig the midterm elections and halt the ability for the American people to decide who's in the majority.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. House Minority Leader (CNN)

What’s next

The Supreme Court of Virginia is scheduled to hear arguments on the amendment's legality after the April 21 referendum vote. If the referendum passes, the court will be in an 'awkward position' if it decides to strike down the amendment, as it would then invalidate the will of the majority of voters.

The takeaway

This referendum has become a high-stakes battle over the future of Virginia's congressional map, with national implications for control of the U.S. House. The outcome could reshape primary contests and favor candidates with stronger institutional backing, regardless of the amendment's ultimate legality.