Virginia lawmakers send redistricting amendment to voters

Driving the news: The amendment cleared the state Senate on a 21-18 party-line vote on Friday, completing the final hurdle required to send it to a statewide referendum.

• Democratic leaders say the vote could take place this spring, while proposed maps might be publicly available by the end of the month.

By the numbers: Six of Virginia's 11 congressional seats are currently held by Democrats.

• Some Democrats have said they're vying for a 10-1 map, adding four seats, or a 9-2 one, which would add three.

Catch up quick: Normally, redistricting happens once a decade.

• But state Dems are pushing to get it done now — mid-decade — to counter Republican-led states that have already redrawn congressional maps to boost GOP seats.
• And to do so, they're temporarily suspending the 2020 voter-approved redistricting commission through 2030.
• Republicans have repeatedly tried to fight the measure in the courts since Democrats announced their plan to redraw the maps in the fall, but have so far had little success.

What's next: A referendum campaign is likely looming, so get ready for those texts.