Linguistic loophole sinks Virginia’s congressional map

Virginia’s Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision, struck down Democrats’ new congressional map after ruling the constitutional amendment to temporarily redraw districts violated timing rules; the majority defined “election” to include the early voting period, meaning more than 1.3 million votes had already been cast when lawmakers approved the amendment, invalidating the April referendum. The dissent argued the term should be read as Election Day. The ruling is part of a broader national redistricting fight and could invite further challenge at higher courts, with midterm implications.