Justice Department approves Va. redistricting plan

[ccharles000]

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 afternoon.

Those plans to redefine the 140 state House and Senate territories 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 received preclearance 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 the federal approval of Virginia's plan means that legislative primary and general elections scheduled for this year will be held on time.

http://hamptonroads.com/2011/06/justice-department-approves-va-redistricting-plan