Six of the seven Hampton Roads cities saw the "yes" vote prevail at the ballot box as the Democrat-backed measure to allow for mid-decade redistricting was approved during the special referendum held on Tuesday, according to unofficial results published on the Virginia Department of Elections' website.
In total, the measure to amend the Virginia Constitution passed by a margin of 51.56% to 48.44%.
Watch: Political analysts break down the Virginia redistricting referendum results
On Wednesday, News 3 went to Mt. Trashmore in Virginia Beach to talk with neighbors about what the election result means for them and what they hope to see moving forward.
While there were plenty of people at the park, almost none wanted to talk. Chesapeake neighbor Kevin McNeil was one of the exceptions.
“I try not to get into politics too much. I know it’s very divisive these days," McNeil said.
Watch: Despite Virginians voting 'yes,' redistricting measure still faces legal hurdle
For him, the result of the special election doesn’t change anything. He’s going to continue to focus on the things he can control.
“What I’ll tell people is, get outside. Enjoy places like Mt. Trashmore. Pick up some hobbies. Go play golf. Go play a sport. Go to the gym. Focus on your family, the things that you love," said McNeil.
According to the unofficial Virginia Department of Election Results as of Wednesday afternoon, Suffolk saw the highest voter turnout, 48 percent. Virginia Beach was third with 44 percent after Chesapeake where 46 percent of voters cast a ballot.
Watch: Hampton Roads schools adjust schedules for redistricting election
“I’m not a fan of gerrymandering. I understand why it happened this time around," said Virginia Beach neighbor Paul Cochrane.
Cochrane was another one of the exceptions at Mt. Trashmore. He hoped for more civility and stability moving forward.
"We talk past each other all the time, even within our families or neighbors. I think if we could have a proper dialogue and just create some stability and less chaos," Cochrane said.
Watch: 'Deceptive' fliers, billboards featuring Spanberger & Trump target Virginia redistricting vote
Wishful thinking, perhaps, as the redistricting fight was, as of Wednesday, headed to the Virginia Supreme Court.
The following results for the April 21 referendum were taken from the unofficial results published on the Virginia Department of Elections' website:
Norfolk
- Yes — 71.34%
- No — 28.66%
Virginia Beach
- Yes — 49.43%
- No — 50.57%
Portsmouth
- Yes — 70.56%
- No — 29.44%
Newport News
- Yes — 64.66%
- No — 35.34%
Hampton
- Yes — 70.45%
- No — 29.55%
Chesapeake
- Yes — 50.7%
- No — 49.3%
Suffolk
- Yes — 57.48%
- No — 42.52%
In Hampton Roads, Virginia's Second Congressional District — which encompasses all of Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Franklin, part of Chesapeake, and Accomack, Northampton and Isle of Wight counties — will be notably altered under Democrats' proposed map.
Watch previous coverage: State Supreme Court suspends lower court's pause on redistricting referendum
Some precincts from this purple district, currently represented by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R), could be shifted to Virginia's Third Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Bobby Scott (D), to dilute the voting power of Republican-leaning areas.
Kiggans is set for a rematch in the 2026 midterm elections against former Rep. Elaine Luria, the Democrat she ousted in 2022.
