Early voting begins in Virginia for congressional redistricting plan

Virginians can now vote on whether the state should amend its constitution to allow the General Assembly to redraw congressional districts.

The Democratic effort is part of a nationwide redistricting battle ahead of this year’s midterm elections. Virginia Democrats released a new congressional map aimed at giving their party four more U.S. House seats.

Early voting on the referendum kicked off Friday and will last several weeks. The special election is set for April 21.

Northern Virginia residents lined up early to cast their “yes” or “no” ballots Friday morning.

“Nationally, I think Democrats are having their power diluted across the country. So I think for Virginia to actually stand up and to listen to some of our voters, I think is a good idea,” Fairfax County resident Sarah Shiver said.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a bill putting Virginia congressional redistricting to a vote. Northern Virginia Bureau Chief Julie Carey reports on the local impact.

“Trump’s doing a good job and I don’t want to see what’s going on with the present government go sour or anything like that. I know there’s a lot of division right now, but we’ve got to make a stand and now is the time to do it,” said Jae Kim, a Fairfax County voter.

Redistricting normally happens every 10 years after a census, but state Democrats say the change needs to happen now to keep the balance of power in Congress.

Republicans filed lawsuits against the redistricting plan, but Virginia’s Supreme Court ruled the redistricting question can go to voters as the cases work their way through the courts.

The map goes into effect only if it’s backed by voters and the state Supreme Court.

Go to the Virginia Department of Elections website to learn more about the referendum and to check your voter registration information.