For the first time a hybrid commission chaired by a citizen and consisting of eight Virginia voters and eight lawmakers will draw state and federal district lines in 2021. We're supporting their continued effort to make sure people, not politicians, are drawing the maps.
Started in 2014, the campaign to end partisan gerrymandering in Virginia won an overwhelming victory in 2020 with 66% of voters supporting a constitutional amendment to establish a first of its kind commission to draw state and federal district lines. The policy was passed after a bipartisan legislative coalition — with unanimous Republican support and a few key Democratic votes — referred the policy to the ballot.
For the first time a hybrid commission chaired by a citizen and consisting of eight Virginia voters and eight lawmakers will draw state and federal district lines in 2021. The commission will also need to follow strict standards to ensure districts are not gerrymandered and all populations have equitable access to representation. The commission will need a supermajority of six legislators and six citizens to approve both sets of maps to prevent a Special Master being appointed by the state supreme court from drawing the maps.
The organization is working to implement the new policy and focused on three priorities: