After Virginia Democrats passed legislation to redraw congressional district maps with the goal of securing an overwhelming Democratic majority, the Virginia State Supreme Court today struck down the law in a surprise ruling.
The court determined that the Democratic-led legislature violated procedural requirements by placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot for mid-decade redistricting. In its opinion, written by Justice D. Arthur Kelsey, the court stated that this violation “irreparably undermines the integrity of the resulting referendum vote and renders it null and void.”
The decision was split 4-3, with Chief Justice Cleo Elaine Powell dissenting. Powell wrote: “Today the majority has broadened the meaning of the word ‘election,’ as used in the Virginia Constitution, to include the early voting period. This is in direct conflict with how both Virginia and federal law define an election.”
Senate Republican Leader Ryan T. McDougle praised the ruling as a constitutional affirmation that “you cannot violate the Constitution to change the Constitution.” President Trump labeled it a “massive win” for Republicans and American democracy. Governor Gavin Newsom expressed frustration with the court’s outcome following the decision.
