The referendum to allow for mid-decade redistricting became the most expensive ballot measure in Virginia's history by a wide margin, outpacing funds raised for a measure aiming to allow casino gaming in Richmond, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
The Virginia Public Access Project's data catalogs spending through April 10, citing campaign finance reports filed with the Virginia Department of Elections. In total, groups for and against the Democrat-backed redistricting measure raised over $83 million.
- Groups that supported the measure raised $62.3 million
- Groups that opposed the measure raised $20.9 million
The redistricting referendum passed by a margin of 51.45% to 48.55%, according to unofficial results posted on the Virginia Department of Elections' website.
Watch related coverage: Virginia redistricting opponents hope for legal intervention
Spending for this referendum significantly exceeded the second-most expensive referendum in Virginia's history, which was an unsuccessful measure to allow casino gaming in Richmond. In total, $10.2 million was raised, according to the Virginia Public Access project.
- Groups that supported the measure raised $9.89 million
- Groups that opposed the measure raised $337,000
The Virginia Public Access Project notes that the funds reported are only from committees specifically created for these exact referenda; other state PACs and outside groups could have also raised money for these issues.
