David Sullins, chairman of the King George Board of Supervisors, said it’s best for the county to uphold its legal obligations for the redistricting referendum regardless of any personal stance on the measure.

Redistricting Referendum Although legal challenges remain, early voting has begun for the April 21 referendum on a constitutional amendment that could allow the Virginia General Assembly to redraw congressional districts.

Normally, congressional redistricting in Virginia occurs once every decade through a bipartisan redistricting commission. However, Virginia Democratic lawmakers are seeking the ability to redraw the Commonwealth’s districts early in response to Republican-led states redrawing their map in favor of Republicans, which Democrats say was done at the behest of President Trump.

Virginia’s current congressional delegation is split 6–5 between Democrats and Republicans. If approved, the amendment would temporarily give the General Assembly authority to redraw the map if another state redraws its districts, which Texas for example, has already done.

Virginia Democrats, meanwhile, have already approved what is referred to as the 10–1 map in which 10 districts are expected to tilt toward Democrats with one leaning Republican. Virginia Democrats say this will bring fairness back to upcoming elections, while critics argue it’s a partisan power grab.

According to VPM, based on analysis from the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP), voters currently in the 1st Congressional District represented by Rep. Rob Wittman — which includes the Northern Neck — would be divided among several districts under the proposed map. Most of Wittman’s current constituents would be moved into the proposed 5th District, with another significant portion placed in the 8th District. The proposed 1st District would shift northward, taking in parts of Northern Virginia while still including some voters from Hanover County.

Claiming the president “started this mess in the first place,” Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas said, “These are not ordinary times and Virginia will not sit on the sidelines while it happens.”

The General Assembly’s ability to redraw districts would expire on Oct. 31, 2030, after which responsibility would return to the Virginia Redistricting Commission.

Not a County Fight

Sullins and other members of the board have previously urged residents to get to the polls and make their voices heard. Sullins addressed the matter again during the March 3 board meeting, noting that supervisors were still being approached by constituents calling attention to counties that are passing resolutions stating they will not support the redistricting effort.

Sullins said he discussed the matter with King George General Registrar Lorrie Gump and concluded it’s not a fight the county should take on.

“I can’t speak for the board, but my thoughts are I think we need to stay out of it. I have my opinions. I’ve encouraged y’all: get out and vote, please,” he said.

Sullins said the language on the ballot is very confusing.

“The gist of it is, if you want to maintain the status quo where we have a roughly 50/50, 60/40ish split between Democrat seats and Republican seats, then vote no. If you want to completely upend that and fix it so that the Democrats have a 10-to-1 advantage in Congress coming from the state of Virginia, then vote yes. It’s that simple,” he said.

“Now, as far as the resolution, talking with Miss Gump, the state law says that if they say that we’re going to have an election, we will fund it… By law, we have to.” He said any election that is called for by the state, King George will fund it.

Sullins said he believes this referendum is “illegal as all heck.”

“But two wrongs don’t make a right. Us violating state law and saying we’re not playing in that game doesn’t make it right,” he said.

Virginia Senator Richard Stuart, who serves as the King George County attorney, has also stated he believes the measure is illegal.

“Virginia voters in 2020 overwhelmingly approved an amendment creating an independent redistricting commission because they wanted exactly the opposite of what is now being proposed. The idea was to take map drawing out of pure partisan hands. And yet, here we are…” Stuart wrote in October.

Stuart claims the effort is being driven by New York Democrats Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries “so the machine wins more seats.”

“This is not local autonomy. This is the national party, with deep pockets and a national agenda, reaching down into Virginia’s process,” he said. “…The clear disregard for the will of 2.7 million voters (66% of voters) who, in 2020, approved a Constitutional Amendment placing redistricting in the hands of a bipartisan Redistricting Commission should give even the most partisan among us heartburn,” the senator wrote.

Supervisor Ken Stroud also called on voters to take action. He said many people are talking about the issue, which he said he is glad to see.

But “I really encourage people to go vote,” he said.

Voters to Decide

Supporters of the referendum have also emphasized that the final decision will be made by voters.

“Virginia voters deserve the opportunity to respond to the nationwide attacks on our rights, freedoms, and elections,” Governor Abigail Spanberger said in February when she signed the bill allowing the referendum vote to proceed. “And when other states take extreme measures, I trust Virginia voters to respond.”

U.S. Senators for Virginia Tim Kaine and Mark Warner also issued a joint statement supporting giving Virginia voters the ultimate say on the measure.

“There is now a temporary proposal aimed at preserving a fair playing field and protecting Virginia voters. While some states are moving ahead through partisan deals behind closed doors, Virginia is following its constitutional process and allowing voters to render the final judgment. We strongly support this effort and Virginia’s commitment to public transparency throughout the process,” they said.