In February, Virginia lawmakers passed a new congressional map in response to President Trump’s national push to shore up Republicans’ slim House majority by drawing new, unfair maps in the middle of the decade.

While Common Cause does not endorse partisan gerrymandering, even when its motive is to offset more extreme gerrymandering by a different party, we will always prioritize fair representation. That’s why we created a set of six fairness criteria to determine whether or not we will oppose a given state’s effort to redraw their maps mid-decade – based on whether the result will be protecting voters’ voices or silencing them.

Here’s how Virginia measures up on Common Cause’s six fairness criteria:

1. Virginia’s redistricting plan is a proportionate response to other states.

The ballot measure states this redistricting effort is temporary and for the purpose of “restoring fairness.” The plan, which would add several solidly Democratic seats, is on the April 21 ballot for Virginia voters to approve. The move was made to counteract states like Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina, adding more solidly Republican seats to their state voting maps in 2025.

2. Virginia’s redistricting process includes meaningful public participation.

Virginia’s mid-decade redistricting map will go before voters on April 21, 2026.

3. Virginia’s redistricting plan considers racial equity.

There is no concern from the civil rights community when it comes to Black and brown voters being able to elect candidates of their choice. Similarly, there is no opposition from Asian American civil rights organizations.

4. Virginia’s leaders support federal reform.

Gov. Spanberger co-sponsored the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act while in Congress.

5. Virginia’s leaders endorse independent redistricting.

Currently, Virginia’s legislative and congressional lines are drawn by a 16-member politician commission appointed by legislative leaders. Gov. Spanberger co-sponsored the Freedom to Vote Act while in Congress, which mandates independent redistricting.

6. Virginia’s redistricting plan is time-limited.

The ballot measure specifies the state’s standard redistricting process will resume after the 2030 election.