Who is Jack Hurley? GOP-Appointed Judge Blocks Virginia Redistricting
Summary
A Virginia judge, Jack S. "Chip" Hurley Jr., has blocked the official approval of a voter-approved redistricting referendum. He ruled the redistricting measure invalid because lawmakers did not follow legal steps and the ballot language was misleading. The decision stops the map changes from taking effect while the dispute continues in court.Key Facts
- Judge Jack S. Hurley Jr. is a circuit court judge in Virginia’s southwest, appointed in 2012 by Republican Governor Bob McDonnell.
- The judge ruled the redistricting amendment "void ab initio," meaning it was legally invalid from the start.
- His ruling said lawmakers failed to follow constitutional procedures required to pass the amendment.
- Hurley also said the ballot language used for the referendum was misleading to voters.
- Virginia voters approved the Democratic-backed congressional map that could add up to four seats for that party.
- The Virginia Supreme Court allowed the referendum vote to go ahead but has not decided on the legal challenges yet.
- State Attorney General Jay Jones said his office will file an appeal against Hurley’s ruling.
- The ruling stops state officials from certifying the referendum results but does not cancel the votes already cast.
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