Virginia voters spoke clearly in 2020. By approving a constitutional amendment to create a bipartisan redistricting commission, they demanded fairness, transparency and an end to partisan self-dealing. It was one of the most consequential political reforms in modern Virginia — an unmistakable message that voters, not politicians, should decide how districts are shaped.
Now, just five years later, the General Assembly is moving to undo that choice. In October 2025, lawmakers took the first of two required votes to repeal the commission, returning full control of redistricting to the legislature — the very body that benefits from manipulating district lines.
Virginia’s Constitution requires a second identical vote in 2026 before the measure can go to a statewide referendum. That referendum could occur as early as April 2026, asking Virginians a simple question: Should we dismantle the voter-approved system in favor of partisan control?
There is no policy reason to revisit this now. The commission was designed to operate throughout the decade, with the next redistricting scheduled for 2030. Its purpose was stability and independence. The only reason to redraw early is political advantage — an advantage that today would overwhelmingly favor Democrats in Congress.
The maps adopted after the 2020 census, drawn by neutral experts appointed by the Supreme Court of Virginia, produced balance: some districts lean Republican, some Democratic and some remain competitive. That is what representative democracy should look like.
Repealing the commission and rushing new maps in 2026 would tilt the playing field. It would be gerrymandering. Plain and simple. More importantly, it would break faith with voters and with Virginia’s history.
As America approaches its 250th birthday, this is a moment to honor the principles of Washington, Madison, Jefferson, Mason and Henry: checks on power, transparent governance and authority flowing from the people. To unwind a voter safeguard now contradicts the constitutional spirit Virginia helped give the world.
And as we enter the holiday season — a time for generosity, honesty and keeping promises — it is worth remembering that good government is a gift too. Fair maps belong to the people, not the politicians.
In mid-2026, Virginians will have the power to preserve the reform they demanded in 2020. By voting “no,” they can reject gerrymandering, keep fair maps in place and give themselves the gift they deserve: a continued commitment to fairness, accountability and a government that keeps its word.
David Botkins is a member of the State Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia and leads Botkins Strategies LLC.