State redistricting maps win federal approval

Maps revising Virginia's legislative districts have been approved by the U.S. Department of Justice for use in the General Assembly elections later this year, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli announced Friday.

Plans to redefine the 140 state House and Senate districts based on census data were submitted to federal authorities for review this spring after the legislature approved them.

Virginia is among the states required to receive clearance from federal authorities for proposed changes to election practices as a condition of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a federal law that seeks to protect minority voting interests.

Cuccinelli said federal approval of Virginia's plan means that legislative primary and general elections will be held on time. It also confirms the state "complied with all legal and constitutional requirements in adopting the new district lines," he said.

Hampton Roads loses representation under the redistricting plan because the region's population growth was outpaced by areas such as Northern Virginia, which gained from the process.

Still unresolved are differences over competing reapportionment plans for Virginia's 11 congressional districts. A select group of lawmakers is working on a compromise.