Virginia Supreme Court Not A Fan Of Redistricting, Democracy The Supreme Court of Virginia invalidated a voter-approved redistricting referendum that aimed to increase Democratic representation. The court’s decision hinges on a novel interpretation of election law regarding early voting, which the dissent argues creates a logical paradox and ignores legislative intent. This ruling is seen by the author as a setback for democracy and an attempt to favor Republicans, drawing parallels to historical civil rights struggles.

• The Supreme Court of Virginia struck down a redistricting referendum approved by voters.
• The referendum was designed to increase Democratic representation in the US House of Representatives.
• The court’s reasoning focused on the timing of early voting in relation to the legislative process for constitutional amendments.
• The court’s interpretation of ‘election’ and ‘prior to’ is criticized as a made-up standard benefiting Republicans.
• A dissent within the court argued that the majority’s reasoning creates a ‘causality paradox’ regarding early voting.
• Reactions from Virginia Democrats were mixed, with the Attorney General seeking a US Supreme Court review.
• The author expresses concern that this decision reflects a broader trend of Southern states rolling back civil rights gains.