By Michelle Moore, Bridge2Blue
We should not allow a single court ruling to dominate the narrative or mislead Virginians into believing the redistricting referendum is over. It is not.
What we are seeing is an early procedural decision focused on timing and logistics—not a ruling on the merits. An appeal has already been filed, and the case now moves to the Virginia Supreme Court, where it will be decided based on law, not maneuvering.
The ruling came from a Tazewell County judge who had given both sides until early February to brief a narrow issue: the applicability of a century-old public notice statute to constitutional amendments. That statute was rendered effectively obsolete when Virginia adopted a new constitution in 1971, but it remained in the state code due to legislative oversight. Anticipating that argument, the General Assembly fast-tracked legislation to repeal the outdated provision, clarify jurisdiction by moving the case to Richmond Circuit Court, and fund a statewide referendum vote. The Tazewell judge ruled earlier than planned, citing the legislature’s action as requiring immediate resolution.
Until the courts definitively rule against it—or voters go to the polls—process of bringing the referendum to the voters continues unabated.
This legal challenge was predictable. Opponents sought a favorable venue and now want to frame this procedural ruling as final because confusion and disengagement serve their interests. It is a familiar tactic: declare the game over early, muddy the facts, and hope voters stop paying attention before they can participate.
But the game is not over, this is the first inning.
The push for temporary redistricting did not arise in a vacuum. It is a response to aggressive Republican efforts to tilt the outcome of the midterm elections without voter consent. Virginians deserve the chance to decide whether they want to choose a different path to balance out the playing field and reject Republican rigging as inevitable. Polling shows Virginians are willing to make that choice. Virginia’s voters understand what is at stake and recognize the importance of accountability.
What matters now is focus. Headlines are not a substitute for facts and legal maneuvering does not replace democratic participation.
The redistricting referendum is still in play. This decision to redistrict as a temporary response to Republican gerrymandering will be decided either by the Virginia Supreme Court or by Virginians at the ballot box.
The work continues. Virginians deserve the right to decide.
