What's on the Referendum?
Gerrymandering threatens to silence our voices nationwide. But Virginia voters have the chance to fight back and protect our democracy.
On April 21st, Virginians will vote on a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to temporarily redraw congressional districts. Right now, redistricting is handled by a commission—but this measure gives Virginia the flexibility to respond if other states change their maps in an attempt to throw our representation out of balance.
At its core, this is about fairness and protecting the voice of American citizens. This amendment is a limited, temporary step—lasting only until 2030—to help ensure every vote carries equal weight and that our system continues to reflect the will of the people.
Why Vote Yes for the Referendum?
Because Your Voice Should Count
Why Is This Needed Now?
Every Virginian citizen deserves to be heard and to have their vote count. Fair district lines keep communities together and ensure leaders represent the people—not political interests. It’s about upholding the promise of We the People: that every voice matters.
Across the country, several states are redrawing congressional maps in order to maintain control in Congress. When that process isn’t balanced, it can lead to uneven representation—where some voices carry more weight than others. This referendum ensures Virginia keeps pace and protects its voters from being sidelined in a rapidly changing national landscape.
A Temporary, Targeted Solution
Keeping Power Where It Belongs
This proposal focuses only on congressional districts and would remain in place until 2030. Why temporary? Because it gives Virginia a fair, immediate solution while allowing time to evaluate and implement long-term reforms carefully. It’s a practical step—not a permanent overhaul—designed to protect voters right now without locking the state into a system that can’t be improved later.
The power to shape our government should stay with the people—not politicians behind closed doors. By supporting fair redistricting, you'll help ensure that elections reflect the will of the people, just as envisioned when this nation was founded.
IMPORTANT DATES
MARCH 6 - APRIL 18, 2026
Early Voting takes place March 6 - April 18. All localities offer early in-person voting.
Voter Registration Deadline. Final day to register or update voter information for the April 21st referendum.
APRIL 14, 2026
APRIL 21, 2026
Election Day. Polls open statewide from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM for the Redistricting Referendum.
How to Vote in Virginia
How to Vote Early in VA
Early voting is available March 6th-April 18th. All localities offer early in-person voting.
To vote early in person, registered voters should go to a designated early voting location for the locality in which they are registered, present their ID, and cast a ballot. Voters are only allowed to vote early in the locality in which they are registered.
Early voting hours of operation vary by locality, and some localities offer early in-person voting at additional satellite locations throughout the early voting period.
How to Vote by Mail
Requested absentee ballots begin being mailed no later than March 6, including ballots to registered military and overseas voters.
The deadline to request a mailed absentee ballot is April 10.
Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than April 21 and received by noon April 24.
Absentee ballots can be dropped off at the general registrar’s office or designated drop box location during the early voting period or at polling locations on Election Day.
Voters do not need a reason to request an absentee ballot. Any registered voter can request an absentee ballot either in person, by mail, online (Citizen Portal) or by contacting their general registrar’s office.
Once you've submitted your ballot, you can track it by clicking the red button below.
Voting on Election Day
On Election Day, you must vote at your designated polling place.
You can find your assigned polling location on your voter registration card, by logging into your Personal Voter Portal, or by contacting your County Board of Registrar's Office.
Polling places are open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you are in line by 7:00 p.m., you are allowed to cast your ballot.
Curbside voting is also available for those with disabilities and those over 65 who wish to vote in person. Voters are encouraged to contact their general registrar’s office for more information regarding voting hours, additional locations and ballot drop boxes.
Deadline to Register
The deadline to register to vote and cast a regular ballot is April 14. Afterward, voters can register and vote through same-day registration and cast a provisional ballot. Same-day registration must take place in person either at an early voting location for the locality in which the voter resides or at their designated polling location (based on their residence) on Election Day.
What to Bring to the Polls
Bring your ID!
Acceptable forms of ID include: Virginia driver’s license, Virginia DMV-issued ID card, valid employee ID card, containing a photograph, issued by voter’s employer in ordinary course of business (public or private employer), U.S. military ID, valid student ID (details here), valid U.S. passport or passport card, government-issued ID card, voter ID card issued by the Department of Elections, valid tribal enrollment or other tribal ID, nursing home resident ID, voter confirmation documents, current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck containing the name and address of the voter, any other current government document containing the name and address of the voter, or signed ID Confirmation Statement.
However, if you get to your polling place without acceptable ID, you can sign an ID statement affirming your identity, you will be able to vote a regular ballot.
If you do not sign an ID statement to affirm your identity you may vote a provisional ballot. You will be provided instructions to ensure your vote will count.
BE THE VOICE OF VIRGINIA’S FUTURE
The April 21, 2026, Redistricting Referendum is your chance to demand fair representation. Join our movement to ensure every district reflects the true will of the people.
