RICHMOND, Va. — A Virginia judge ruled Tuesday that a proposed constitutional amendment allowing Democrats to redraw the state’s Congressional maps was illegal, which could significantly impact their strategy to gain seats in the U.S. House this November. Tazewell Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr. invalidated the legislative action on several grounds, asserting that the lawmakers did not follow their own procedures for adding the redistricting amendment during a special session, failed to secure its approval prior to last year’s general election, and neglected to publish the amendment within the three-month timeframe required by law. Subsequently, he declared the amendment void. The Virginians for Fair Elections, a campaign advocating for the redistricting measure, announced plans to appeal the decision, with campaign manager Keren Charles Dongo stating that 'Republicans court-shopped for a ruling because litigation and misinformation are the only tools they have left.' The battle for redistricting is intensifying across the nation, as Democrats seek to reclaim advantages from previous elections amid ongoing legal disputes in various states.
Virginia Judge Strikes Down Democrats' Redistricting Amendment
Virginia Judge Strikes Down Democrats' Redistricting Amendment
A recent ruling by a Virginia judge deemed a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at redrawing the state's Congressional maps illegal, hindering Democrats' efforts to secure additional U.S. House seats.
In a significant legal setback for Virginia Democrats, Tazewell Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr. ruled the amendment allowing them to redraw Congressional maps was invalid. The decision was based on procedural missteps by lawmakers, including failure to adhere to publication requirements and pre-voting approval. The 'Virginians for Fair Elections' campaign plans to appeal, asserting that current actions by Republicans are attempts to manipulate the legal system. The redistricting battle continues across the country, revealing ongoing litigation and the potential for shifts in Congressional seats.
