Bill —
Early voting is now underway in Virginia. On April 21, voters will decide whether to allow a mid-decade redraw of congressional maps, revisiting a system designed to limit direct political control.
In 2020, Virginia adopted a redistricting commission made up of legislators and citizens, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. The maps drawn after the last census were intended to last through 2031, providing consistency and predictability for voters.
The current measure would temporarily change that system. It would allow the General Assembly to redraw congressional districts before the next census, with a new map already approved that would take effect for the 2026 elections if voters agree.
Supporters say this allows Virginia to respond to similar moves in other states. Opponents, including the Forward Party, are concerned it could reintroduce more direct political influence into a process voters intended to make more independent.
Below is our official statement
This moment in Virginia reflects a broader national challenge. Across the country, both parties have increasingly looked to redraw maps in ways that strengthen their position, raising questions about consistency and trust in the rules that govern elections.
As Brian Vincent, Forward-aligned independent mayor of Farmville, Virginia, recently wrote, stable rules and clear standards are essential to building public confidence. You can read his full perspective here.
That same principle was echoed by Lindsey Drath, CEO of the Forward Party, in a recent Fox 5 DC interview, where she emphasized that voters want a system that is fair, transparent, and consistent over time.
How districts are drawn shapes how elections function, from how competitive races are to how responsive leaders are to the people they represent.
At Forward, we believe the goal should be simple: fair processes, consistent rules, and elections where voters feel their voices truly matter.
Virginia voters will make their decision soon, but this issue goes well beyond one state.
Across the country, rules like gerrymandering, closed primaries, and complicated ballot access requirements often shape who gets to run and who voters actually get to choose from. Too often, they narrow the field instead of opening it up.
That can leave independent voters with fewer real options and make it harder to support leaders who truly reflect their values or make them feel proud to cast a ballot.
It also keeps a lot of strong civic leaders on the sidelines. Many people who have led in their communities, businesses, or public service simply do not want to sign up for strict party labels or ideological lines just to run for office.
If we want a healthier democracy, it starts with making sure the system invites more people in, not keeps them out, and gives voters real choices they can believe in.
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