Overview
- Tazewell County Circuit Judge Jack Hurley Jr. issued a temporary restraining order pausing preparations for the April 21 referendum, citing procedural defects and potentially misleading ballot language.
- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said he will appeal the restraining order, leaving the timing of the special election uncertain.
- A Roanoke College IPOR poll conducted Feb. 9–16 (n=800; ±4.43%) found 52% would keep the current redistricting system and 44% would support the change, with 62% favoring the decennial commission process overall.
- IPOR’s interim director, Dr. Harry Wilson, warned that the ballot’s phrasing—specifically “to restore fairness”—could influence voter responses.
- Democrats advanced a map expected to shift the U.S. House delegation toward a 10–1 advantage, a target openly endorsed by Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas.