On a day that is a holiday for many United States citizens, Republicans in the Commonwealth of Virginia redrew state senate district lines Monday afternoon.
The Virginia Senate is tied at 20-20. This move — redrawing district lines approved in 2011 (pdf) — is designed to tilt the numbers to 21 Republican-19 Democratic. If signed by Republican Governor Bob McDonnell, the new boundaries would take effect in the 2015 senate election.
AP characterized the move as a surreptitious redraft. Blue Virginia is keeping a tally of news reports.
Virginia is yet another example of why redistricting should be managed by an independent commission operating transparently and with public input.
virginia map via shutterstock.com
Known for gnawing at complex questions like a terrier with a bone. Digital evangelist, writer, teacher. Transplanted Southerner; teach newbies to ride motorcycles. @kegill (Twitter and Mastodon.social); wiredpen.com