Early Voting Under Way for April 21 Special Election
TL;DR: Chesterfield County residents can vote early in person or by mail for an April 21 special election on a Virginia constitutional amendment that would temporarily allow the state legislature to redraw congressional districts.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County voters and Virginia residents
- What: Special election on proposed constitutional amendment to allow temporary congressional redistricting
- When: Election Day April 21, 2026; early voting March 6 through April 18
- Where: Chesterfield County, Virginia (voting at Central Library and North Courthouse Road Library)
The story
Chesterfield County residents can vote early for the April 21 special election that will decide whether Virginia's Constitution should be amended to allow the state legislature temporary authority to redraw congressional districts. Early voting began Friday, March 6, and continues through Saturday, April 18, with in-person voting and drop boxes for absentee ballots available at two locations: Central Library (7051 Lucy Corr Blvd) and North Courthouse Road Library (325 Courthouse Road), which opened April 10. Voters can also drop off absentee ballots at the General Registrar's Office (9848 Lori Road) through April 20.
The amendment on the ballot would authorize the General Assembly to modify congressional districts between January 1, 2025, and October 31, 2030, but only if another state redraws its own congressional districts during that period for reasons outside court orders or the decennial census cycle. If approved, a new map drawn by the legislature could be used for the 2026 Congressional elections; if rejected, current districts remain in place, with the Virginia Redistricting Commission retaining responsibility until the 2031 redistricting cycle.
The General Assembly approved the amendment through House Joint Resolution 4 in January 2026, with House passage 62-33 and Senate passage 21-18. Early voting hours vary by location and day, ranging from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with Saturday and Sunday hours also available. On Election Day itself, polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Curbside voting is available for voters with disabilities or those age 65 and older.
Chesterfield residents can participate through in-person early voting, absentee voting by mail using drop boxes, or in-person voting on Election Day. The county has also enhanced security at early voting locations to ensure the integrity of the voting process.
Key players
- Chesterfield County Registrar's Office: Administering early voting and election procedures
- Virginia General Assembly: Referred the constitutional amendment to voters
Key dates
- 2026-03-06: Early voting begins at Central Library
- 2026-04-10: North Courthouse Road Library early voting location opens
- 2026-04-18: Early voting ends (last day at both library locations)
- 2026-04-20: Last day to drop off absentee ballots at General Registrar's Office
- 2026-04-21: Election Day, polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The case for
Supporters argue that allowing temporary legislative redistricting authority could remedy perceived unfairness in current congressional districts and ensure that electoral maps reflect current population shifts and political preferences more accurately for the 2026 elections, particularly if other states adjust their own maps, leveling the competitive landscape.
The case against
Opponents contend that giving the legislature ad-hoc redistricting power risks politicizing the process and undermining the established role of the Virginia Redistricting Commission; they argue that circumventing the decennial redistricting schedule sets a problematic precedent and that interim map changes could create legal uncertainty and voter confusion without clear evidence that current districts are genuinely unjust.
Why it matters: This amendment directly affects how Chesterfield County and Virginia's congressional districts will be drawn for the 2026 elections, potentially changing voters' representation. A yes vote gives legislators temporary redistricting power; a no vote maintains the status quo under the commission system.
Places
Development timeline
- 2026-01-14State House approves redistricting amendment: House Joint Resolution 4 passes 62-33 [[source]](https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HJ4)
- 2026-01-16State Senate approves redistricting amendment: Amendment passes Senate 21-18, clearing way for special election [[source]](https://www.elections.virginia.gov/election-law/proposed-amendment-for-april-2026-special-election/)
- 2026-03-06Early voting begins in Chesterfield County: In-person early voting and absentee drop boxes open at Central Library [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=7109)
- 2026-04-10Second early voting location opens: North Courthouse Road Library begins in-person early voting [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7168)
- 2026-04-21April 21 special election held: Voters decide on congressional redistricting amendment [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=7109)
Related links
- Early Voting Under Way for April 21 Special Election
- Chesterfield County General Registrar
- Voting and Registering to Vote in Chesterfield
- Virginia Department of Elections: Proposed Amendment for April 2026 Special Election
- Special Election Sample Ballot
Read the original at Chesterfield County News →
Sources
- Early Voting Under Way for April 21 Special Election
- Chesterfield County General Registrar
- Virginia Department of Elections: Proposed Amendment for April 2026 Special Election
- 2026 Virginia redistricting amendment
- Virginia Dept. of Elections Special Election Explanation