While the Supreme Court of the United States considers redistricting cases from North Carolina and Virginia, the Virginia House Democratic Caucus is calling for the creation of a nonpartisan redistricting commission to be allowed a floor vote in the House of Delegates during the upcoming 2017 legislative session.
“In the past, nonpartisan redistricting legislation has passed the Senate of Virginia, only to die a vote-less death in a House committee. We are asking House Republican leadership for the simple act of allowing floor debate and vote on a nonpartisan redistricting commission that will end unconstitutional gerrymandering this session,” said Delegate David Toscano, House Democratic Leader.
“The citizens of Virginia deserve the ability to choose their elected officials at the ballot box, but right now, much of the Commonwealth has gerrymandered districts that allow the politicians to choose their voters. This is unacceptable and must end,” said Delegate Charniele Herring, House Democratic Caucus Chair.
The Old Dominion voted twice for President Barack Obama, voted for Hillary Clinton, and has not elected a Republican to statewide office since 2009. However, gerrymandered districts have allowed for a Republican super-majority in the House of Delegates.
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