Early Voting Begins for Virginia Redistricting Referendum

Voters to decide on allowing lawmakers to redraw congressional districts before next census

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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In-person early voting is now underway in Virginia's high-stakes redistricting referendum ahead of the April 21 statewide vote. The referendum asks voters whether the state constitution should be amended to allow lawmakers to redraw the state's congressional districts before the next census, which could shift the partisan balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Why it matters

This referendum is a contentious effort by Democratic lawmakers in Richmond to redraw Virginia's congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, arguing that new district lines are necessary to counter redistricting efforts by Republican-controlled states. However, Republicans and some independent observers have criticized the proposal, arguing that mid-decade redistricting undermines the state's existing process and could amount to a partisan gerrymander.

The details

If approved by voters, the constitutional amendment would temporarily allow Virginia to redraw congressional districts ahead of the upcoming 2026 election cycle. The proposal has already survived multiple legal challenges, allowing the referendum to move forward while the courts continue to review aspects of the case. For Fluvanna County residents, the outcome could have a direct impact on where the county falls on Virginia's congressional map, potentially shifting it out of the long-standing Fifth Congressional District and into a newly configured district.

  • Early in-person voting began on March 6, 2026 and will continue through April 18, 2026.
  • Election Day for the referendum is Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The players

Democratic lawmakers

Lawmakers in Richmond who have argued that new district lines are necessary to counter redistricting efforts by Republican-controlled states.

Republicans

Some Republican lawmakers and independent observers who have criticized the proposal, arguing that mid-decade redistricting undermines the state's existing process and could amount to a partisan gerrymander.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the referendum to move forward.

The takeaway

This referendum highlights the ongoing partisan battle over redistricting in Virginia, with both sides arguing that the outcome could shift the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. The decision by voters will have far-reaching implications for the state's political landscape in the years to come.