Virginia Voters Face Special Election on Redistricting Measure That Could Reshape Congressional Map

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia voters head to the polls today, April 21, 2026, in a special election on a constitutional amendment that would let the Democrat-controlled General Assembly temporarily redraw congressional districts for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.

The measure, framed by Democrats as “restoring fairness,” would replace Virginia’s current roughly 6-5 congressional map with one heavily favoring Democrats — potentially 9-2 or 10-1 — by packing and cracking Republican strongholds.

Even some Democrats have openly admitted the intent is not fair representation but to silence conservative voices and counter President Trump. Sen. Tim Kaine and others have described it as a necessary power grab to oppose Trump’s agenda. Critics, including Republicans and anti-gerrymandering groups, call it blatant partisan rigging that betrays Virginia’s own recent reforms creating a bipartisan redistricting commission.

Recent polls show the race extremely close and well within the margin of error. A Washington Post-Schar School survey found 52% yes to 47% no, while other polls show it essentially tied at 51-45 or 45-46.

While the measure appears likely to pass on party-line turnout, the narrow polling leaves open the possibility of a conservative upset if motivated GOP voters turn out in force.

For Virginia families who value fair maps and equal representation, today’s vote could lock in a decade of diminished conservative influence in Congress.