Virginia court allows Democrats' redistricting vote in their plan to counter to Trump

"The Virginia Supreme Court cleared the way for a special election April 21 in which voters will be asked to allow congressional redistricting before the November elections. Though a Republican challenge remains in court, the ruling Friday is a boost for Democrats' efforts to counter the Republican-led redistricting President Trump has set off in other states. Republicans had sued to block the redistricting, alleging that Democrats in the Virginia Legislature did not follow the proper process when they set the special election."

"The state supreme court said that it would still hear arguments about the issues and did not grant the Democrats' appeal but the court wrote that has "no effect on the referendum scheduled for April 21." It set deadlines for the submission of arguments after the election. Democrats took it as a sign they have court backing to hold the referendum."

The Virginia Supreme Court allowed a special April 21 referendum on congressional redistricting to proceed while legal appeals continue. Republicans sued, alleging that Democrats in the state legislature did not follow proper process when setting the special election; a circuit judge ruled for Republicans on Jan. 27 and Democrats appealed. The state supreme court said it will still hear arguments and did not grant the Democrats' appeal but wrote that the ruling has no effect on the April 21 referendum, and it set deadlines for post-election submissions. Democrats view the court action as support to hold the referendum, while Republicans vow to continue fighting in court and at the ballot box.

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