Virginia Supreme Court Denies Stay, Keeps Redistricting Referendum Uncertified

The Virginia Supreme Court on April 28 denied Attorney General Jay Jones's request to lift a Tazewell County judge's order blocking certification of the April 21 redistricting referendum.

The referendum narrowly passed 51.7% to 48.3% and would redraw congressional lines into a map that proponents say would yield a 10-1 Democratic advantage.

Republicans challenged the measure on procedural grounds, and in oral arguments justices pressed attorneys for the 'Yes' camp, with Justice Wesley Russell questioning whether the vote outcome mattered.

Opponents argued the special session procedure and that early voting in 2025 and a 90-day publication requirement meant the amendment did not meet legal requirements, according to court filings and justices' questions.

The Supreme Court has not ruled on the merits and is operating on an expedited schedule because districts must be known by the 2026 primary, court filings show.