Voters, Lawmakers Respond to Virginia’s Redistricting Referendum

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. — A new congressional map in Virginia could change the state’s political landscape.

Virginia voters approved a referendum to draw a new congressional map on Tuesday, boosting Democrats’ chances of flipping four additional House seats in the midterm elections. Democrats say the move was needed to counter GOP-led redistricting efforts in states like Texas and Ohio.

“It’s not about the 10 seats here; it’s about the 435,” Finale Norton of Rural GroundGame said.

Democrats are calling for bipartisan cooperation, urging Republicans to find common ground on issues affecting Virginia’s Eastern Shore. “What I think, and hope, is that many of our rural constituents across the state who will now be joined with more urban and suburban — that all of them together should be able to make decisions about what is going to make the quality of life better for everyone,” Norton said.

Republicans on Virginia’s Eastern Shore are fearful that their votes could carry less influence under the new map, which groups them with more urban and suburban areas.

“I will still vote, but I will be disappointed because I think our votes don’t count. It’s going to be a wash,” Accomack County resident Georgianna McCarty said.

Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, representing Virginia’s second congressional district, is encouraging her constituents to turn out at the polls this June and November, adding that the April 21 voter turnout was lower than she would have liked. “Their voice absolutely matters, and they, too, deserve to know who their representative is and have consistent representation . . . I think there’s a lot of repercussions for the Democrats in November . . . This was just one way for people to use their voice and their votes, and that’s why you saw it within a couple of points.”

On Wednesday, a lower court blocked Virginia from certifying the new map. Democrats say they’re planning an appeal.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Monday.