Virginia Redistricting 'Yes' Campaign Confident as Turnout Efforts Intensify

The pro-redistricting campaign says early voting data shows they're ahead, despite higher turnout in Republican-held districts.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:38am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a lone voting booth in a government office, with warm sunlight casting dramatic shadows across the scene, conveying the gravity and significance of the upcoming redistricting referendum.As the high-stakes battle over Virginia's redistricting referendum intensifies, the quiet solemnity of the voting process takes on an air of civic importance.Richmond Today

The 'Yes' campaign for Virginia's redistricting referendum says they feel good about their chances as Election Day approaches, citing their own data projections that show them leading in early voting. The campaign is launching a statewide push to drive voter turnout, with leaders across the state set to canvass and greet voters at satellite voting locations opening up the weekend of April 10.

Why it matters

The redistricting referendum is a highly contentious issue, with Democrats seeing it as an effort to protect democracy and Republicans viewing it as gerrymandering. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in Virginia's congressional delegation.

The details

If approved by voters, the new congressional map would favor Democrats in 10 of Virginia's 11 districts. While early voting data shows higher turnout in the five districts currently held by Republicans, the 'Yes' campaign's internal projections indicate they are leading in early voting overall.

  • Early voting on the redistricting referendum began on March 6.
  • The referendum will be held on Tuesday, April 21.
  • Additional satellite voting locations will open up around Virginia the weekend of Friday, April 10.

The players

Keren Charles Dongo

Campaign Manager for Virginians for Fair Elections, the main pro-redistricting campaign in Virginia.

Virginians for Fair Maps

The main campaign opposing the redistricting referendum.

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What they’re saying

“Across the Commonwealth, the data is clear: Virginians are showing up, they're voting early, and they are voting 'Yes.'”

— Keren Charles Dongo, Campaign Manager, Virginians for Fair Elections

“Remember, even in Republican areas, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's just all Republicans voting.”

— Keren Charles Dongo, Campaign Manager, Virginians for Fair Elections

What’s next

On Super Saturday, April 10, the 'Yes' campaign will launch canvasses, have leaders cast their own votes, and greet voters to drive out turnout ahead of the April 21 referendum.

The takeaway

The Virginia redistricting referendum has become a high-stakes political battle, with both sides making a concerted push to turn out voters. The 'Yes' campaign's confidence in their early voting data suggests they believe they have momentum, but the final outcome will depend on overall voter participation on Election Day.