Elections and Redistricting

It’s an exciting time for Virginia politics! Elections are quickly approaching, our citizen-led redistricting commission is working hard to ensure our Commonwealth has fair maps that put voters first, and a mathematician wants to help prevent gerrymandering. 

With so much to follow, here are some of the highlights this month: 

1. The Countdown has begun: Early Voting Begins Friday!  

Like it or not, November is quickly approaching. With less than 50 days until Election Day, it’s important to start getting ready to vote. First step: register! Take advantage of the Commonwealth’s voting options — make a plan for how you will cast your vote and ensure your voice is heard. Register to vote or apply for a ballot online here.  (You can also learn more about your ballot here).

Here are some important dates to remember:

• Early voting begins at your local voter registration office on Friday, Sept. 17th
• Deadline to register to vote or update an existing registration is Tuesday, Oct. 12th
• The last day to request a ballot by mail is on Friday, Oct. 22nd and must be received by local voter registration office by 5 p.m.
• Last day of in-person early voting at local voter registration office  is Saturday, Oct. 30th
• Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2nd

2. An Update from the Redistricting Commission

In an effort to create fair maps for all Virginian’s the commission has slightly altered its timeline, with new updates from the co-chairs of the commission.

Map-drawers have been instructed to draw draft proposals of all 100 House of Delegates districts and 40 Senate districts by next week. These drafts will be presented at the commission’s meeting on Monday, September 20th. 

This means we’re only days away from having a better idea of what our maps will look like! Make sure to follow along for updates!

3. Math for Democracy

One of the coolest things about the movement to put voters first is that it encourages innovation. Our movement is about harnessing the power of good ideas to improve the systems of our democracy.

In an effort to apply math as a way to ensure fairness and impartiality, mathematician Moon Duchin, the founder of the MGGG Redistricting Lab, has created formulas that use geometry to check maps for instances of gerrymandering. Learn more about the work of the MGGG Redistricting Lab here.

Continue to read our newsletter and follow our Twitter for the latest voters first developments in Virginia. What happens in these next few weeks will impact the future of our commonwealth for a decade — don’t miss out!