Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation to hold a referendum on a constitutional amendment allowing mid-decade redistricting of the state’s congressional districts. In total, the Democrat governor approved a referendum on four constitutional amendments that Virginia voters will decide on later this year. Watch the signing below: Virginia Democrats smile and laugh as Abigail Spanberger signs the redistricting referendum that would disenfranchise 48% of the commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/QvROPA2Wta — Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 6, 2026 Virginia Mercury has more: The first three amendments, if approved by voters this November, will protect reproductive rights and same-sex marriages and allow people with felony convictions who have completed their sentences to automatically have their voting rights restored. The amendments were a campaign promise for Spanberger and Democrats, who gained majorities in the legislature in the 2023 and 2025 elections. The fourth amendment, which has drawn both praise and condemnation, would allow a mid-decade redistricting of the state’s congressional maps. Leading Democrats said this week the effort is necessary to “level the playing field,” after President Donald Trump prompted states to redraw their maps in ways that tilt favor towards Republicans. Democratic-led states like California, and now Virginia, have countered with their own processes. Republicans have denounced it as partisan gerrymandering that flouts democratic principles. Democratic leadership of the legislature summoned lawmakers to a special session last fall to pass the fourth constitutional amendment — as amendments need to pass two legislative sessions in a row with a House of Delegates election in between. As the 2026 legislative session kicked off this year the chambers wasted no time in getting the bills to Spanberger. Virginia Democrats reportedly plan to propose a new congressional map that would likely net four additional House seats for the party, giving them a 10-1 congressional delegation advantage in the state. Blue State To Propose Congressional Map Expected To Add 4 Democrat House Seats “Donald Trump knows he’s going to lose the midterms. He knows it. That’s why he’s started this mess in the first place,” Virginia Senate President Pro Tem L. Louise Lucas told reporters. Check it out: BREAKING: Virginia House Speaker Don Scott and Sen. Louise Lucas just announced they will release a 10 Democrats to 1 Republican Congressional map by the end of today or early tomorrow. This is how you fight back. pic.twitter.com/FsKfpRy38T — Democratic Wins Media (@DemocraticWins) February 5, 2026 WVTF noted: "I have endeavored to be a partner to them, ensuring that any map they choose is one that can be implemented. And as that is the largest of the constraints for me," Spanberger said of process organized by Democrats in the General Assembly. "This map meets those parameters. And so, if they choose to move forward with this one, I don't intend to stand in the way of that." Democrats released their proposed map of the redrawn districts late Thursday night. Voters will consider the amendment to draw new congressional districts in April, just in time for primary elections to get candidates on the ballot for this fall. The other three amendments will be on the ballot in November.