Four weeks before April 21 referendum, early voting shows stronger turnout in GOP-leaning areas

With four weeks to go before Virginia voters decide whether to redraw the state’s congressional map, early voting data is painting a familiar but uneasy picture for Democrats: they hold a commanding financial edge, but reliably Republican districts are showing up strong at the polls.

More than 354,000 ballots had been cast statewide as of Monday, according to data compiled by the Virginia Public Access Project, a steady acceleration since early voting began March 6 and continues through April 18.

The pace marks a sharp increase from the opening days of voting, when roughly 73,000 ballots had been cast by March 10 — a sign that engagement is picking up as the April 21 referendum draws closer.

But beneath those topline numbers, a deeper divide is emerging.




https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/24/four-weeks-before-april-21-referendum-early-voting-shows-stronger-turnout-in-gop-leaning-areas/