Elections
- House Judiciary Committee Launches Investigation into Arlington County Prosecutor Parisa Dehghani-Tafti Over Alleged Sanctuary Policies and Public Safety Concerns
WASHINGTON — The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee has opened a formal oversight investigation into Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church, Virginia, accusing her office of implementing sanctuary-style policies that prioritize illegal immigrants over American citizens and endanger local communities. In a letter dated May 4, 2026,
- Measure Allowing Localities to Revert Local Election Schedules
Delegate Rob Bloxom has introduced House Bill 51 in the 2026 Virginia House of Delegates session to amend provisions governing the timing of certain local elections. The legislation would alter Section 15.2-1400 of the Code of Virginia and repeal the second enactment clause from Chapter 103 of the 2021 Acts of Assembly. This change targets […]
- Virginia Senator Ryan McDougle Discusses Concerns Over Ballot Language and Policy Costs
Senator Ryan McDougle delivered comments in the Virginia Senate regarding aspects of the legislative process that he characterized as involving trickery. His remarks centered on the use of ballot language that may not fully convey the details of measures to voters. The senator outlined how such language can affect public understanding during elections. Attention was […]
- Hakeem Jeffries Signals Democratic Push to Reinstate Virginia’s Rejected Congressional Map for 2028
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has indicated that Democrats plan to pursue restoration of a congressional redistricting plan in Virginia that was struck down by the state’s Supreme Court, aiming for implementation ahead of the 2028 elections. The comments, made during an appearance at the Center for American Progress, come in the wake of […]
- Thousands of Virginians will regain the right to vote next month
Virginia resident Tati King, a former felon who helped lead a major lawsuit to win back his and others’ voting rights, stands outside of Virginia’s Capitol. (Photo courtesy of Phuong Tran/ACLU of Virginia) Tati Abu King, who was formerly incarcerated for a felony, has been waiting years to be able to vote again. A court […]
- Prince William County Public Schools Advances $2.9 Billion Budget Following Board Deliberations
In the public meeting, a board member addressed the assembly, noting that the schools employ more individuals than any other entity in Prince William County. She described compensation measures as more than benefits, calling them necessary to retain existing talent and attract new high-quality personnel capable of meeting student needs. The budget, framed as a […]
- US Supreme Court decision ends Virginia’s redistricting fight, reshapes 2026 races
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision late Friday to reject Virginia Democrats’ emergency appeal over congressional redistricting effectively ended any remaining effort to revive the state’s redistricting referendum, triggering a wave of Democratic campaign suspensions over the weekend and forcing both parties to quickly regroup ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Several Democrats who launched campa
- NAACP asks US Supreme Court to overturn Virginia redistricting decision
A Fairfax County voter receives a sticker after casting a ballot. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Advance Project on Wednesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Virginia’s high court ruling striking down the state’s redistricting referendum, arguing the decision nullified the votes of […]
- Prince William County Proclaims April 2026 Sikh and Punjabi Heritage and Appreciation Month
According to the proclamation, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in the state of Punjab, located in what is now parts of modern-day India and Pakistan. There are approximately 30 million Sikhs worldwide, with Sikhism noted as the world’s fifth-largest religion. More than 25 Sikh gurdwaras operate in the area, and the Washington DC […]
- The sheer waste of Virginia’s redistricting referendum staggers the conscience
Signs encourage voters to reject or approve a proposal to give lawmakers temporary power to redraw the state’s congressional maps outside the Hanover County Government Complex, April 18, 2026. The proposal passed April 21 by a slim margin, but the state Supreme Court overturned the amendment May 8. (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury) Friday’s unprecedented […]
- Virginia Democrat Suhas Subramanyam Weigh Dramatic Court Changes After Supreme Court Strikes Down Voter-Approved Redistricting Map
CHANTILLY, Va. — In the wake of a Virginia Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a newly approved congressional redistricting map, some Democrats are exploring aggressive legislative responses, including potential changes to the composition of the state’s highest court. U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), who represents Loudoun County, has publicly stated his support for taking significant […]
- Virginia House Debates SB727: Bill Banning Assault Firearm Carry in Public Passes Amid Controversy
Tom Garrett described initial shock upon reading the text, which bars carrying such weapons ‘about his person’ in public areas. He employed a Venn diagram to demonstrate overlaps: Northern Virginia pickup truck owners, rural firearm owners, and recreational shooters/hunters. A limited exemption for hunting or target practice, he argued, fails to exempt most scenarios, like […]
- Fairfax County School Board Faces Internal Criticism from Melanie Meren Over Data Gaps in Policy Decisions
The Fairfax County School Board, which includes Chair Sandy Anderson (At-Large), Karl Frisch (Providence District), Melanie Meren (Hunter Mill District), Rachna Sizemore Heizer (Braddock District), Mateo Dunne (Mount Vernon District), Seema Dixit (Sully District), Ilryong Moon (Lee District), Ryan McElveen (Dranesville District), and Robyn Lady (Mason District), oversees Fairfax County Public Scho
- SEIU Union Funds Fuel Expensive Virginia Redistricting Referendum That Was Later Struck Down
In early April 2026, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Virginia State Council announced a $500,000 contribution from member dues to Virginians for Fair Elections, the primary committee supporting a “Yes” vote on a controversial constitutional amendment for temporary legislative redistricting of congressional districts. The donation, highlighted in campaign finance disclosures on VPA
- Virginia Democrats seek emergency injunction from US Supreme Court in redistricting fight
The U.S. Supreme Court building. (Photo by Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom) Virginia Democrats on Monday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to revive the voter-approved redistricting amendment struck down last week by the Supreme Court of Virginia, escalating the fight over the state’s congressional map to the nation’s highest court with the 2026 midterms inching closer. In […]
- Virginia Democrats File Typo-Riddled Motion Seeking U.S. Supreme Court Review After State Court Strikes Down Redistricting Amendment
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Democrats have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a high-stakes redistricting dispute after the Virginia Supreme Court nullified a voter-approved constitutional amendment on procedural grounds, a development that preserves the state’s current congressional maps for the 2026 midterm elections. The Virginia Supreme Court ruled 4-3 on May 8, 2026, […]
- Prince William County’s Transit Operations: Funding Without General Fund Reliance and Comparison to Fairfax County
The system’s annual revenue totals about $30 million, sourced from mechanisms including local contributions and fares, with $20 million allocated from state grants and $10 million from other local streams. This covers the entirety of operations for services like OmniRide buses managed by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), which connects Prince William County […]
- Supreme Court of Virginia strikes down redistricting amendment, keeps current maps in place
The Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond on April 27, 2026. (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury) The Supreme Court of Virginia on Friday struck down the voter-approved redistricting amendment, upholding a lower court ruling that had declared the measure unconstitutional less than 24 hours after last week’s special election and briefly halted its implementation. The […]
- Virginia Supreme Court Strikes Down Voter-Approved Redistricting Amendment, Sparking Debate Over Procedural Rules Versus Voter Intent
RICHMOND, Va. — On May 8, 2026, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a Democrat-backed constitutional amendment authorizing temporary partisan redistricting of congressional districts violated the state constitution’s procedural requirements. The decision nullifies the results of the April 21 special election referendum, in which voters narrowly approved the measure by approximately 51.7% to 48.3
- FBI raids Sen. Louise Lucas’ Portsmouth office, marijuana business
State Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, on the Senate floor at the Virginia Capitol in Richmond. Federal agents on Wednesday raided Lucas’ Portsmouth office and adjacent cannabis business as part of a court-authorized FBI search operation. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) Federal agents on Wednesday morning raided the Portsmouth office of state Sen. Louise Lucas, one […]
- Fairfax County Parent Urges Superintendent Michelle Reid’s Resignation Over Alleged Mishandling of School Incidents
FCPS has faced multiple controversies during Reid’s tenure, which began in 2022 after her appointment by the Fairfax County School Board. One prominent issue involved Hayfield Secondary School’s football program, where state investigators confirmed violations of athletic recruitment rules. Dozens of players transferred from Freedom High School in Prince William County following a coach’s move. […]
- Abigail Spanberger’s first 100 days are flashing a warning Virginia Democrats should not ignore
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs bills to set referendums for four constitutional amendments on Feb. 6, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/ Virginia Mercury) Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a package of gun bills on April 10, including a ghost gun ban, an industry liability measure and a closure of the intimate partner loophole. The bills are […]
- Virginia Supreme Court weighs challenge to redistricting amendment
The Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond on April 27, 2026. (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury) The Supreme Court of Virginia on Monday heard arguments over whether Democrats followed constitutional requirements in advancing a voter-approved redistricting amendment, zeroing in on disputes over election timing, public notice requirements and the scope of a special session last […]
- GOP’s hope to undo Virginia’s new redistricting power grows after judge halts maps
Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond, Va. (Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce for The Virginia Mercury) After losing Tuesday’s closely watched redistricting referendum, Virginia Republicans are now shifting their focus to the courts, arguing the legal fight — not the ballot box — will ultimately determine whether the measure stands. That legal fight escalated late Wednesday, […]
- March for Life abortion opponents hit the streets in Virginia March for Life
Attendees of Virginia March For Life in downtown Richmond on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) As the governor, advocates and lawmakers celebrated the new maternal health laws inside the Patrick Henry Building Wednesday morning, about 1,000 people gathered outside for the Virginia March for Life Hosted with support from the Family […]
- Tazewell Circuit Court Blocks Certification of Virginia’s Redistricting Referendum, Ruling Process Unconstitutional
TAZEWELL, Va. — In a dramatic late-day ruling issued Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Tazewell Circuit Court blocked certification of results from Tuesday’s special election on a controversial constitutional amendment aimed at allowing the Virginia General Assembly to redraw congressional districts before the next federal census. Chief Judge Jack Hurley reaffirmed earlier findings that both…
- Virginia voters back redistricting amendment after months of legal and political battles
A voter casts a ballot in the April 21 redistricting referendum at the Stonebridge Recreational Center in Chesterfield County. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Virginia voters on Tuesday approved a constitutional amendment allowing mid-decade congressional redistricting, a move expected to dramatically reshape the state’s political map and potentially shift its congressional delegation f
- 10 questions and answers about Virginia’s redistricting referendum
(Photo illustration by States Newsroom) Virginians will head to the polls Tuesday to approve or reject a closely watched constitutional amendment that could reshape the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 elections. The standalone spring referendum will cap months of legal battles, political messaging and unusually high early voting interest. The vote follows a […]
- Virginia sees 33,000 ACA enrollment drop since subsidies expired, more likely on the way
(Photo by Getty Images) What might be pocket change to some can be a breaking point for others — forcing tough choices between health insurance and everyday essentials. As Virginians, and Americans nationwide, face premium spikes in the Affordable Care Act marketplace after Congress failed to renew subsidies, many are weighing the cost of coverage […]
- Virginia voter guide: Ballot questions voters about Democratic efforts to redraw the congressional map
This post was originally published on this site.Legal challenges to redistricting efforts are playing out in court. A referendum which would allow Democratic legislators to temporarily redraw Virginia’s congressional map continues to move forward. The redistricting plan has been put up for early voting and a special election is scheduled for April 21. Virginia Democrats […]
- Mark Warner files for reelection, launching bid for fourth U.S. Senate term caught lying 29 years ago
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner speaks with reporters in the U.S. Capitol building in October. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom) U.S. Sen. Mark Warner formally launched his campaign for a fourth term this week, filing the paperwork and voter petitions required to appear on Virginia’s 2026 U.S. Senate ballot after a five-day swing across the state […]
- Virginia Referendum Pits Redistricting Proposals Against Voter-Approved Commission
The proposal stems from legislation passed by the Democrat-majority House of Delegates and Senate. It would suspend the decennial redistricting cycle mandated by Amendment 52, ratified by 67 percent of voters in 2020. That amendment established the Virginia Redistricting Commission, comprising legislators and citizens from both parties, to draw maps post-census. Ballot text reads: ‘Should […]
- Virginia League of Women Voters Endorses SB 58 to Increase Mail Ballot Deadlines
SB 58 aims to adapt election procedures to contemporary challenges in mail delivery. Currently, mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by noon on the third day following the election. The bill would modify these parameters, potentially extending receipt hours and accounting for processing delays. Supporters, including Democratic lawmakers, contend that postal […]
- Early voting underway for Virginians to weigh in on congressional redistricting plan
This post was originally published on this site.Virginians can now begin voting on whether the state should temporarily redraw its congressional districts as part of a rare springtime special election. The step, tied to a proposed constitutional amendment, comes after Virginia’s General Assembly approved the measure, followed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s signing. Former President Barack […]
- Virginia Democrats’ 10-1 map proposal heads to Gov. Spanberger’s desk
Virginia’s General Assembly approved a proposal to redraw the congressional map, which favors Democratic candidates for 10 of 11 commonwealth districts. Next stop for the prototype redistricting is the Democratic Governor. Abigail Spanberger’s desk. The governor can sign the entire bill, veto a specific item, amend the legislation, or choose not to act at all. […]
- Amendment to Decide the Relevance of Moderate Voters in Virginia
Elections With Predetermined Outcomes Gerrymandering deliberately manipulates political districts to give one party an unfair structural advantage. By “packing” (concentrating certain voters) and “cracking” (diluting others), the outcome of elections can be effectively decided before a single vote is cast. Heavily engineered districts don’t just shape who wins—they shape whose voices count. The vo
- Virginia Lawmakers Clash Over Redistricting Process as Kilgore Champions Status Quo
The 2020 amendments created independent bipartisan commissions for legislative and congressional redistricting, passing with approximately 65% voter support.
- Virginia’s “Affordability” Lie: How Democrats Turned Campaign Promises into a Tax Tsunami
“Affordability” — Just a Campaign Slogan Virginia Democrats barely waited for the ink to dry on their election victories before revealing what their version of “affordability” really means. Within days of taking unified control of state government, they began advancing tax proposals that would push Virginia toward the highest tax burden in the nation. The campaign rhetoric sounded […]
- Washington County Sets April Special Election on School Sales Tax Amid Holston Merger Fears
Supervisors vote 5-2 for an April 6 referendum after a packed hearing; superintendent cites $200 million facilities needs while Damascus residents link the tax to Holston High consolidation fears.
- Loudoun School Board Hands Over Power to Unelected Teachers’ Union, Locking in Massive Raises at Taxpayer Expense
In a move that undermines the authority of our elected school board and silences the voices of parents and taxpayers, the Loudoun County School Board voted 7-1 on November 25, 2025, to ratify a historic collective bargaining agreement with the Loudoun Education Association.
- Loudoun County Republican Committee Announces Ambitious Campaign to Establish Permanent Headquarters
The Loudoun County Republican Committee (LCRC) today unveiled plans for a transformative initiative to acquire and establish a permanent headquarters, marking a pivotal step in sustaining its rapid growth and enhancing its impact on local elections and community engagement.
- Jay Jones’s Attorney General Election Could Lead to Virginia Police Exodus, Law Enforcement Leaders Say
Virginia law enforcement leaders fear the election of Jay Jones—who once fantasized about putting “two bullets” in the head of a GOP lawmaker and mused whether more cop-killings would stop officers from shooting people—could harm public safety and may lead to a police exodus across the state. “Some people are going to leave the profession,” […]
- Republican wins Lynchburg Treasurer’s Office, leading to a red sweep in all local elections
According to the Virginia Department of Elections, Republican Brian Triplett won a close race for Lynchburg Treasurer.
- Va. Supreme Court hears appeal to lift suspension of Youngkin appointees from college boards
The Virginia Supreme Court will take its time to decide a case that could keep Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s appointments from serving on three Virginia university governing boards, or allow them to serve after being sidelined since June. The high court heard oral arguments in the case on Thursday.
- A Virginia political scribe recalls the dark ages of covering campaigns and elections before VPAP
The Virginia Public Access Project websites homepage. (Photo courtesy VPAP) We Virginians are about to elect our 75th governor, the first woman to hold the office. For those not yet up to speed, you can learn quite a lot about Democrat Abigail Spanberger or Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in very short order. For instance, in two […]
- Loudoun County Democratic Committee Under Criminal Investigation
The Loudoun County Democratic Committee is under criminal investigation for allegedly engaging in illegal fundraising activities in violation of Virginia Code § 18.2-340.36:1(A) — the state’s charitable gaming law. This statute is not vague: “No charitable gaming shall be conducted by, or for the benefit of, any organization that is established or conducted for the purpose of influencing elections
- Election 2025: Character Matters Over Party
The Stakes of this Election If the race for Virginia’s next attorney general hasn’t already been decided, what more must a candidate do to disqualify himself. The recent revelations about Democratic nominee Jay Jones are the case in point. His past text messages — violent, crude, and deeply unbecoming of anyone aspiring to be the […]
- Tim Greenway, Former Roanoke county school board member faces charges for election-related infractions
Tim Greenway, who is running for reelection as a member of the Roanoke School Board this fall, was charged with a misdemeanor related to elections.
- GOP districts take early lead in Virginia’s first week of early voting
Early voting in Virginia began just last week, but the first wave of ballots already shows Republican-leaning House of Delegates districts pulling ahead of their Democratic counterparts.
- Virginia’s early voting season begins Friday, ushering in pivotal election
Early voting begins Friday in Virginia’s high-stakes general election, opening a six-week window for voters to cast their ballots in races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, all 100 seats of the House of Delegates and some local offices. This year’s early voting period arrives with several notable changes to state election law, including a shorter registration deadline and new re