Large turnout for redistricting amendment vote, local political parties say

It's March 18. One week into early voting, both parties report large voter turnout. York County unveils $308 million budget.

Party greeters turned out at James City County voting center Tuesday. (Williamsburg Watch photo)

They may disagree on the issue, but local Democrats and Republicans agree voter turnout for a constitutional amendment that would redraw Virginia’s congressional map has been higher than expected.

“This referendum is driving people to the polls,” said Vincent Passero, chair of the Williamsburg-James City County Republican committee.

“First day early vote numbers in James City County were very similar to the first day of early voting in the General Election of 2025,” said Jennifer Tierney, chair of the Historic Triangle Democrats.

At issue is a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would change the process of drawing congressional maps from a bipartisan commission, which Virginians approved in 2020, to one where the legislature can draw the map.

Democrats control the legislature, and they have proposed a new map creating districts that would give the party an electoral advantage in 1…