Virginia's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that a statewide referendum will proceed on April 21, allowing voters to decide on a constitutional amendment regarding congressional redistricting. The court's decision marks the second time it has approved the special election after legal challenges.

The proposed constitutional amendment would enable mid-decade redistricting in Virginia, potentially affecting the state's congressional map ahead of the November midterm elections. Multiple sources indicate the redistricting plan could impact four U.S. House seats, though the specific effects on party representation vary in reporting.

Former President Barack Obama has endorsed the redistricting measure in a new advertisement urging Virginia voters to approve the amendment. In the ad, Obama referenced redistricting efforts in other Republican-controlled states that have redrawn congressional maps mid-decade.

The referendum represents the latest development in nationwide redistricting battles occurring ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. Virginia voters will have the opportunity to directly weigh in on the redistricting process through the constitutional amendment vote.

The special election comes as both major political parties engage in redistricting efforts across multiple states following the 2020 census. The Virginia measure would allow for congressional map changes outside the typical post-census redistricting cycle.