To the Editor:
Virginia’s recent redistricting referendum passed by just over two-and-a-half percent, despite millions of votes being cast statewide. That narrow margin alone shows how divided Virginians are on the issue.
Recent news reports described the “yes” campaign’s victory as the result of a six-month effort to temporarily amend Virginia’s Constitution and allow mid-decade redistricting before the 2026 election. Supporters expect the new congressional map to shift the current 6-5 Democratic advantage to a 10-1 split unless the courts intervene.
Opponents argue the result came under questionable circumstances. Brian Cannon of No Gerrymandering Virginia said that despite being outspent by more than $60 million and facing biased ballot language, more than a million Virginians voted against what he called a partisan power grab. He noted that such a slim victory, despite the enormous spending imbalance, suggests many voters rejected gerrymandering.
According to the Virginia Public Access Project, the referendum was the most expensive in Virginia history, with some $83.2 million spent by both sides. Much of that money reportedly came from dark-money groups, with the “yes” campaign receiving more than three times as much untraceable funding as the “no” side. About $81 million was spent on political advertising alone.
Why did it pass? Delegate Terry Kilgore observed that misleading ballot language and a massive spending advantage made it difficult for voters to understand a deeply complicated issue. As an independent voter, I would add that those opposing the amendment started late and had less time to organize or raise funds, forcing them to play catch-up from the start.
Now the Virginia Supreme Court will decide whether this redistricting effort is constitutional. If the court rules it is not, both the referendum and the new map could be invalidated.
Whatever one’s political view, a constitutional amendment decided by such a narrow margin, after unprecedented spending and under legal challenge, should give every Virginian pause.
Sincerely,
Ben Crawford
Blacksburg
