State Board of Elections will not certify results of special election

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - The Virginia Board of Elections will not certify last month’s special election results on Friday.

The certification depends on a pending decision from the Virginia Supreme Court tied to an ongoing legal fight over redistricting.

It is currently not known yet when the state’s high court will make its ruling.

Less than two weeks ago, voters approved a plan to change the state’s congressional maps in favor of Democrats.

Republicans are pushing back, saying the special election should have never happened in the first place.

On Tuesday, a judge in Tazewell ruled the referendum unconstitutional.

Attorney General Jay Jones asked the Supreme Court to allow certification, but the court said no.

The results from last month’s redistricting referendum aren’t moving forward for now after a meeting of the state board of elections on Friday afternoon.

“The State Board of Elections is currently under an injunction that prohibits certification of the results of the election,” said Steven Koski, Commissioner of Elections.

The main hold up is the Virginia Supreme Court upholding a Tazewell judge ruling that the referendum to redraw congressional lines, favoring democrats in a 10 to 1 map, is unconstitutional and blocking the vote certification.

“We’re living in unique times and whatever happens your 133 localities with their general registrars and their staffs have had to be prepared and able to do whether it goes yay or nay,” said John O’Bannon, State Board of Elections Chairman.

All sides of the issue are eager to hear from the high court.

“Once we get a final order from the court we will act accordingly with that,” said Commissioner Koski.

State Senator Ryan McDougle is leading the charge in one of the supreme court cases and thankful the board did not move forward.

“I’m glad to see the state board of elections follow the court order which have permanently enjoined them from certifying the election,” said State Sen. Ryan McDougle, (R) 26th District.

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan filed for re-election to Virginia’s fourth congressional district just prior to the board meeting.

“I do wish the court had ruled by now but I know they have a lot of questions of first impressions. You know they’re going to take their time and make sure that they understand this has broader implications beyond just this election,” said Rep. Jennifer McClellan, (D) VA-04.