Virginia Legislators Should Put Voters First When Redrawing Maps

RICHMOND – Today the Virginia General Assembly will convene in a special session to redraw eleven House of Delegates districts that a three-judge panel deemed in June were an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The decision was a victory for voters in those districts in the Hampton Roads and greater Richmond areas.

"As the legislature reconvenes, the League of Women Voters of Virginia urges members of the general assembly to draw these eleven districts in a manner that puts power back where it belongs, in the hands of voters," said Sue Lewis, President of the League of Women Voters of Virginia. “Political and racial gerrymandering has no place in our democracy as it distorts and undermines the very foundation of our representative government.”

"This special session is an important step towards ensuring all Virginians’ voices are heard. We urge legislators to conduct the mapping process in a transparent manner with input from the public. It’s time for legislators to put politics aside and put voters first by creating a map that safeguards equal voting rights."

The League of Women Voters of Virginia will continue to stand on the side of voters—working to ensure the power of this country’s democracy is realized. Redistricting must be accomplished in an open, unbiased manner with citizen participation and access at all levels and steps of the process. The League will work to ensure that the voices of voters are heard in the halls of our state capitol and represented in the district maps drawn.

Contact: Sue Lewis | 434-962-8124 | [email protected]