Judge strikes down Virginia’s redistricting referendum

A Virginia judge on Wednesday blocked the certification of a redistricting referendum that allows the state to redraw draws its congressional and legislative maps, less than 24 hours after voters approved the measure.

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The ruling, issued by Tazewell County Circuit Court, halts state officials from finalizing the results of the ballot measure, which sought to overhaul Virginia’s redistricting process.

This latest move prevents the Virginia Department of Elections and other officials from implementing the new redistricting referendum unless it’s overturned by a higher court.

Other states attempting similar redistricting moves have faced lengthy legal battles, leaving the ultimate outcome uncertain.

Tazewell County Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley ruled on Wednesday that the redistricting referendum violated parts of Virginia’s Constitution, including how such amendments must be approved and submitted to voters.

Hurley said the proposal had not been properly authorized by the General Assembly before being submitted to voters. The judge also called the ballot language “flagrantly misleading” and did not accurately describe the measure to voters.

The attorney general’s office said in a statement they plan to immediately appeal the decision.