Virginia Supreme Court denies motion to certify redistricting referendum vote

WASHINGTON — Virginia’s newly redrawn political landscape will remain paused after a ruling from the Virginia Supreme Court on Tuesday afternoon.

The Virginia Supreme Court heard oral arguments Monday in a high-stakes case that could void a recently passed referendum. Last week, voters narrowly approved an amendment to redraw the state’s congressional districts, a move projected to give Democrats a significant 10-to-1 advantage in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Judge Jack Hurley of Tazewell County Circuit Court ruled a day later that the referendum violated several of the state’s constitutional clauses, such as the 90-day public notice requirement, and called the question that was presented to voters “flagrantly misleading.”

Virginia’s Attorney General Jay Jones asked the Supreme Court of Virginia to allow a temporary pause so the redistricting referendum could be certified.

The Commonwealth’s highest court denied Jones’ request on Tuesday. The Supreme Court of Virginia has only ruled on the request for a stay and not the merits of the appeal.