With early voting underway and one week until Virginia's special election, a proposed constitutional amendment to redraw the state's congressional districts has sparked intense accusations of gerrymandering from both parties.

The ballot measure asks voters: "Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia's standard redistricting process resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?" A yes vote would permit the Democrat-controlled General Assembly to enact a pre-approved map shifting the state's 11 U.S. House seats toward a potential 10-1 Democratic advantage, compared to the current 6-5 split. The change would apply only through the 2030 elections, reverting to the bipartisan Virginia Redistricting Commission afterward.

Democrats argue the amendment counters mid-decade redistricting in Republican-led states like Texas and Missouri, which they say rigs national House races. "The trigger has already been pulled when it comes to attacks on our democracy," said Delegate Marcia Price. Supporters, including Governor Abigail Spanberger, former President Barack Obama, and the NAACP's Virginia chapter, emphasize that voters, not just politicians, would approve the map, framing it as a temporary defense of fair elections.

Republicans decry it as a blatant power grab that undermines the 2020 voter-approved commission, diluting rural conservative voices by splitting counties like Fairfax and Prince William into more districts. Former Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares have warned that it reverses anti-gerrymandering reforms. Opponents, backed by a $9 million campaign including funds from Peter Thiel's Justice for Democracy PAC, highlight procedural irregularities and misleading ballot language.

The measure faced multiple court challenges. A circuit court blocked it twice in January and February 2026, citing issues with a special session and ballot wording, but the state Supreme Court cleared the path for the April 21 vote.

Recent polls show a tight race. A Neighborhood Research survey from April 1-3 found 45% yes and 46% no among likely voters, while an earlier March poll had 52% support. A Washington Post-George Mason University poll indicated 52% backing or leaning yes.

Early voting turnout exceeds 2025 gubernatorial levels in Northern Virginia, with Democrats holding an edge, though Republicans appear more motivated overall. Supporters have outspent opponents 5-to-1, pouring nearly $50 million into ads.

The outcome could reshape the battle for House control ahead of the 2026 midterms, where Republicans hold a slim majority. Both national party leaders, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have rallied in the state.