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Virginia senators clash over April redistricting referendum, process and court review
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Summary
Senators used the morning hour to spar over the April 21 redistricting referendum, with several labeling the process misleading and others defending voters' choice; speakers repeatedly referenced a trial-court finding on ballot language and argued whether the special session and timing complied with the state constitution.
Senators traded sharp exchanges on the Senate floor on April 23 over last week’s redistricting referendum and a recent trial-court ruling that questioned the ballot language and timing of the amendment.
The morning’s debate began when the senator from Colonial Heights said the referendum had been “rigged from the start,” criticizing the special session’s use and arguing the ballot language misled voters and violated constitutionally required timing for amendments. He told the chamber, “You don’t change the rules after the game has already started,” and said the court’s holding meant the April votes were ineffective unless the process is corrected.
The senator from Eastern Fairfax countered, defending the voters’ choice and faulting what he described as outside influence and “dark money” in the campaign. He argued the referendum reflected a public decision and said Senate deliberation on the maps and the voters’ voice should be respected.
Other senators described the dispute in terms of urban–rural tensions. The senator from Franklin County urged colleagues to remember constituents in Southside and Southwest Virginia, characterizing the debate as one about whose lives and values are considered in Richmond. The senator from Roanoke and others recalled historical abuses in redistricting and urged the courts to scrutinize the process.
Multiple speakers referenced the trial court’s finding that the ballot question was misleading and discussed a constitutional requirement that an intervening general election occur between the first and second legislative passage of a proposed amendment. The senator from Colonial Heights said that, in the court’s view, the next valid election for this process would be 2027.
Though the session produced vigorous debate, senators did not take a floor vote on any new constitutional changes during the morning hour. The exchanges concluded with leadership calling for a brief recess and to reconvene after consultation.
The Senate is expected to return under rules set by the operating resolution adopted at the start of the special session; the legal challenge to the ballot language is pending in Virginia courts.
