Hunters and anglers, you may not realize it, but the future of your “opening day” is on the ballot next month. If you aren’t aware, there is a Special Election on April 21, and early in-person voting has already started and runs through 5 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026. We want all our members and every hunter and angler to know why this special election is a must-vote.
What is on the Ballot: The Proposed Constitutional Amendment
The Question: “Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections…?”
The proposed Constitutional Amendment may sound like “fairness,” but in reality, it is a power grab designed to silence the voice of sportsmen.
Why We Oppose This Amendment
In 2020, Virginians voted to take redistricting out of politicians’ hands and give it to a bipartisan commission. This extreme amendment seeks to undo that progress. If approved, the General Assembly would gain the power to redraw congressional districts ahead of this fall’s elections, likely creating a “10:1” map that turns its back on rural communities and favors large urban centers at our expense.
Don’t Be Fooled: The Math Behind the Power Grab
The wording on the ballot is designed to sound reasonable, but the math doesn’t lie. This is a calculated move to silence the rural Virginian. The political divide in our state is already sharp: in the November 2025 Governor’s race, the Democratic candidate won with 57.6% of the vote over the Republican’s 42.2%. This follows the 2024 Presidential results, where the Democratic ticket led 51.8% to 46.1%.
If this amendment passes, it would allow extreme politicians to permanently control 90% of Virginia’s legislative seats under a “10:1” map. Without a fair map, the sportsmen’s voice will be mathematically erased before a single vote is even cast.
Voting is the only way to kill this radical plan.
Impact on Sportsmen, Families, and Gun Owners
Right now, Virginia’s maps are fair, balanced, and approved by the Supreme Court. If this passes, it hands the keys to Richmond politicians to redraw lines for their own benefit. For those who hunt or fish, this is a disaster:
- Urban Takeover: This plan stretches Northern Virginia’s suburbs deep into the Shenandoah Valley and the Piedmont. It means politicians from Fairfax or Arlington, who may have never stepped foot in a deer stand, will be making the decisions for your county.
- The End of Rural Clout: When rural voices are diluted, the issues that matter most—hound hunting rights, Second Amendment protections, and land access—become easy targets for an urban-dominated legislature.
Our Traditions Under Fire
We’ve already seen the warning shots. From bills targeting hound hunters to constant pushes for semi-auto bans and magazine limits, our lifestyle is under constant pressure. The 10:1 map ensures that those who oppose our traditions have a permanent, lopsided majority to push those laws through.
How to Vote: Important Deadlines and Links
Early voting is already underway. If you want to keep your representative focused on your woods and your waters, rather than Northern Virginia’s traffic, the choice is simple – Get Out and Vote!
Don’t forget to forward this email to your hunting buddies, fishing partners, and local clubs. If we don’t get out and vote by or on April 21, others will speak for us.
Note: the deadline to apply for a mail ballot is Friday, April 10, 2026.
