Virginia voters will decide April 21 on a constitutional amendment that would redraw congressional districts in a way that could give Democrats up to four additional House seats, potentially enough to overturn Republican control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The redistricting referendum comes after President Donald Trump encouraged Texas Republicans last year to devise new maps to help the party in November's midterm elections, triggering similar efforts nationwide. Republicans believe they can gain nine House seats across Texas, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio, while Democrats estimate they could win six more seats in California and Utah.

A Washington Post-Schar School poll found 52 percent of Virginia voters support the redistricting measure. If approved and it survives expected court challenges, the new map would pair conservative rural areas with liberal suburban communities, creating districts that span from Democrat-dominated Arlington County into rural farming areas.

The proposed changes have created division within both parties. Some rural Democrats welcome the opportunity for greater representation, while others worry about abandoning efforts to win back rural voters through outreach rather than redistricting. Republican officials argue the changes would dilute their constituents' electoral influence after decades of GOP representation in rural areas.

State Del. Dan Helmer, who helped lead the redistricting effort, is among at least four Democrats now running in the reconfigured 7th District. The new map would make the 9th District the state's lone Republican stronghold while creating competitive districts elsewhere.

Early voting has begun for the April 21 referendum. The outcome could significantly impact control of the House, where Republicans currently hold a slim majority heading into November's midterm elections.