As Donald Trump and Republican allies redraw district maps across the country to lock in political power, Loudoun County Democrats are making sure Virginia voters know what's at stake and how to fight back. Michael Zuckerman, Little River District Co-Chair, sits down with LCDC Voter Protection Chair Michael Evanko to explain what redistricting is, why it matters, and what Loudoun County voters can do about it.
FAQs
Virginia’s Democratic state legislators have approved an amendment to the state constitution allowing the Virginia General Assembly to redraw congressional districts outside the normal 10-year redistricting process.
That proposed amendment, having undergone the necessary legislative action, faces a special election on April 21. Here are Frequently Asked Questions:
How did we get here?
With his lagging poll numbers (currently less than 40% favorability), President Trump sought to retain his GOP majority in the House (currently 218-214) in this November’s mid-term elections by having several Republican-majority states draw new maps favoring GOP candidates and eliminating districts held by Democrats. In response, Democratic states (notably California and Virginia) have drawn new maps favoring their candidates.
Is this normal?
No. Typically, state laws permit them to redraw Congressional district maps only after the constitutionally mandated federal census, which occurs every 10 years. The next federal census isn’t until April 2030.
How are Virginia’s districts normally drawn?
A bi-partisan, 16-member commission was created in 2020 to draw non-partisan congressional and state legislative districts.
Are the proposed districts permanent?
No. The amendment specifies that these maps are only temporary. Virginia returns to the non-partisan mapping process in 2030.
What if Texas and other GOP states rescind their partisan maps?
In that case, the Amendment dictates, the new partisan maps would be abandoned in favor of existing non-partisan map.
Where do I vote in person?
In-person voting on April 16, will be at your usual polling place. To find your polling location click HERE.
What about mail-in voting?
Yes. You must request your ballot no later than April 10. Details can be found HERE.
How about early voting?
Early voting is scheduled to start in Leesburg (750 Miller Drive, Suite 150) on March 6, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. However, a GOP challenge to early voting is still making its way through the courts.
Are there other early voting locations?
Yes. For details, please see the office of Elections webpage on Early Voting HERE.
Have there been other lawsuits threatening the special election?
Yes. But, thus far, none have been successful. Currently, there are no lawsuits threatening the in-person, April 16 special election.
For any questions not addressed here, please visit the Office of Elections and Voter Registration HERE
