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Across the Richmond region, more voting precincts were divided on the redistricting measure than on last year's governor's race.

Why it matters: Some of the same precincts split on redistricting are also being split in the new congressional map.

The big picture: Republican-leaning Hanover was the only one of the region's four largest localities (alongside Chesterfield, Henrico and Richmond) that voted against the mid-decade redraw of Virginia's congressional maps, per the Virginia Public Access Project.

Under the new map favoring Democrats by a 10-1 margin, Hanover will be swept into a district that stretches into the heavily Democratic Prince William County. 

Across all four localities, more precincts backed Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger than supported the redistricting measure, according to an Axios review of election results. 

Reality check: While more than 3 million Virginians voted in the referendum, turnout was lower than the 3.4 million who voted in November. 

Zoom in: In Richmond, Spanberger won every precinct. But four precincts in the near West End rejected the amendment.

They include Windsor Farms, where nearly 70% voted "no," and the Westhampton area.

The intrigue: The gap widened in the suburbs. In Spanberger's home county of Henrico, nearly all of its 90 precincts voted for her. But only 66 supported the amendment.

Many of the precincts that backed former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2021 also voted "no" on redistricting.

Within Chesterfield, 61 of 78 precincts backed Spanberger, compared with the 39 that voted "yes" on redistricting.

And in Hanover, Spanberger won four of 36 precincts. But only one supported the amendment — and even that precinct was a close 51-49 split.

Richmond region split more on redistricting than governor's race

Some precincts that voted for Gov. Abigail Spanberger rejected redistricting — even in Richmond.

Animated illustration of Virginia with red and blue districts in it changing shape.

a map of the state of virginia split between blue and red pieces

Across the Richmond region, more voting precincts were divided on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting measure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" data-vars-content-id="06038b78-872e-41be-ad33-b790f3b34560" data-vars-headline="Richmond region split more on redistricting than governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" target="_self">redistricting measure</a> than on last year&#x27;s governor&#x27;s race.Why it matters: Some of the same precincts split on redistricting are also being split in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new congressional map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" data-vars-content-id="06038b78-872e-41be-ad33-b790f3b34560" data-vars-headline="Richmond region split more on redistricting than governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" target="_self">new congressional map</a>.

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There's a growing trend in Richmond with a simple premise: Leave a trinket, take a trinket.

Why it matters: The small, often hand-built boxes are part of a broader wave of spreading "sidewalk joy," or creating connection between strangers through random, swappable items.

The big picture: There are at least eight of them in the Richmond area, from Brandermill and Midlothian to western Henrico and downtown, according to a map that compiles similar spots worldwide.

The boxes are tucked along sidewalks or outside homes and businesses and stocked with trinkets like Pokemon cards, anime stickers, a Santa hat keychain, sparkly shark necklace and Power Rangers figurines.

The items regularly change as people visit and swap them out.

The rules: Don't leave trash, food, or anything sharp or not-safe-for-work.

Open two-door toy cabinet on a street pole, packed with colorful toys, beads, and figurines; sunny intersection with traffic lights, cars, and green bushes in the background.

A sneak peek into what a trinket box might look like on the inside. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios

Fun fact: Videos of ones that launched earlier this year at 5900 Patterson Avenue (pictured above) and 7580 West Broad Street from Knick Knack Nook RVA have repeatedly gone viral.

The bottom line: People love a mini treasure hunt, especially when the treasures are hidden in plain sight. 

Richmond's "leave a trinket" boxes are popping up everywhere

The premise is simple: Leave a trinket, take a trinket.

Street scene with a pole-mounted sign reading "SHARED SMALL JOYS LIVE HERE TAKE ONE LEAVE ONE"; two toys, Groot and a pink flamingo, perch on top. Clear blue sky, trees, and vehicles in the background.

Please enjoy the baby Groot figurine atop this trinket box off Patterson. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios

There&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/03/06/san-francisco-trinket-trade-boxes-sidewalk-joy-outer-sunset-noe-valley-castro" data-vars-content-id="0d80d48a-b318-4ffc-86dc-1f2e7d36f769" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s &quot;leave a trinket&quot; boxes are popping up everywhere" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/03/06/san-francisco-trinket-trade-boxes-sidewalk-joy-outer-sunset-noe-valley-castro" target="_self">growing trend</a> in Richmond with a simple premise: Leave a trinket, take a trinket.Why it matters: The small, often hand-built boxes are part of a broader wave of spreading &quot;sidewalk joy,&quot; or creating connection between strangers through random, swappable items.

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Note: The 3rd congressional district will extend slightly farther south after Democrats modified their map in late February. Data: Virginia Legislative Information System; Map: Jacque Schrag/Axios

Virginia voters approved a redistricting measure Tuesday, the AP reports, clearing the way for a new congressional map that could help Democrats flip multiple Republican-held districts.

Why it matters: The move positions Virginia as a key battleground in a national redistricting fight that could help determine control of the U.S. House.

The big picture: The referendum passed with 50.3% of the vote, per AP as of just before 9pm, allowing lawmakers to redraw congressional maps ahead of the November midterms and temporarily bypass the state's post-census process approved by voters in 2020.

The new map could shift Virginia's congressional delegation from a 6-5 split to 10-1 favoring Democrats.

Zoom in: The Democrat-led strategy hinges on reshaping the Richmond region and Northern Virginia, which will now be part of five congressional districts instead of the current three.

Metro Richmond will be split into four blue-leaning districts (1st, 4th, 5th and 7th) and will pair some of the more traditionally Republican parts of the city's suburbs like Hanover and Goochland with deep-blue parts of NoVa.

The city itself, which has historically been one district, will be sliced in half, redistributing voters into more competitive and conservative parts of the state.

Between the lines: That could put pressure on Republican Reps. Rob Wittman (1st) and John McGuire (5th), whose red-leaning Richmond-area districts would essentially disappear. 

Reality check: This doesn't mean Virginians' congressional representative changes overnight, a state Department of Elections spokesperson told Axios.

Representation stays the same until next January, when the winners of the November elections are sworn in.

And the new maps will remain in place until the next round of redistricting after the 2030 census. 

Zoom out: Virginia is the second Democrat-led state where voters have approved a redistricting push, following California last year.

The campaign was at times hard to follow, some voters said — with competing groups bearing similar names, conflicting ads featuring figures such as former President Obama and candidates launching campaigns in districts that don't exist yet.

Nearly $100 million poured into Virginia's election, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. 

What we're watching: The Virginia Supreme Court is still weighing a case that tried blocking the redistricting vote — meaning the court could void the referendum, though it's unlikely.

More legal challenges are also expected along with more candidates joining the races in newly drawn districts.

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Virginia voters approve effort to redraw congressional map

Virginia Democrats' redistricting passes in vote that could shift Congress

The move positions Virginia as a key battleground in a national redistricting fight that could help determine control of the U.S. House.

A map showing Virginia's current congressional district boundaries and the new boundaries Democrats are proposing as of February 5, 2026.

Virginia voters approved a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting measure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/21/virginia-redistricting-election-voter-confusion" data-vars-content-id="6eb66a27-e640-49ce-9f9e-e70036e7737d" data-vars-headline="Virginia voters approve effort to redraw congressional map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/21/virginia-redistricting-election-voter-confusion" target="_self">redistricting measure</a> Tuesday, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AP reports," data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/virginia-special-general-results-question-1/" data-vars-content-id="6eb66a27-e640-49ce-9f9e-e70036e7737d" data-vars-headline="Virginia voters approve effort to redraw congressional map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/virginia-special-general-results-question-1/" target="_blank">AP reports,</a> clearing the way for a new congressional map that could help Democrats flip multiple Republican-held districts.Why it matters: The move positions Virginia as a key battleground in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a national redistricting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" data-vars-content-id="6eb66a27-e640-49ce-9f9e-e70036e7737d" data-vars-headline="Virginia voters approve effort to redraw congressional map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" target="_self">a national redistricting</a> fight that could help determine control of the U.S. House.

2024 will be an election year like no other, as President Biden seeks re-election amid economic uncertainty, two wars and questions about his age. His likely foe, former President Trump, faces felony charges and vows revenge on his political enemies. Meanwhile, Americans generally are dissatisfied with those choices and are divided over immigration, race, education and more.

Politics & Policy

One of the most unusual elections in recent Virginia politics is almost over.

Why it matters: Virginia's redistricting fight has been filled with lawsuits, conflicting messaging, celebrity cameos, dark money and Democrats announcing campaigns for districts that don't exist yet. 

Catch up quick: With early voting underway since March 6, more than 1.3 million Virginians have already cast ballots ahead of Tuesday's Election Day.

Voters are deciding whether to amend the state constitution to allow a temporary mid-decade redraw of congressional maps — a move Democrats say counters GOP-led gerrymandering in other states and Republicans call a power grab.

A "yes" vote would enact Democrats' proposed "10-1" map for the November midterms, shifting Virginia's current 6-5 split to 10 Democratic-leaning districts and one Republican-leaning seat.

The change would reshape representation in the Richmond area and potentially influence control of the closely divided U.S. House.

Yes, but: Voters have told VPM it's been hard to follow. 

The ballot question, which Republicans have sued over and say isn't neutral, asks whether Virginia should amend its constitution to "restore fairness" in elections.

The two main campaigns have similar names: Virginians for Fair Elections (pro-redistricting) and Virginians for Fair Maps (anti-redistricting).

Both sides have used former President Obama and Gov. Spanberger to make opposing arguments.

Zoom in: Some anti-redistricting mailers from a GOP-aligned PAC referenced Jim Crow and images of Ku Klux Klan members, drawing accusations from the NAACP that they exploit civil rights images to sway Black voters.

And a Democrat-backed billboard in rural Shenandoah encouraging a "yes" vote features a quote from President Trump, which a Republican official says was used "out of context." 

By the numbers: Untraceable money is also flooding the race.

Roughly 95% of the nearly $100 million raised has come from nonprofit groups that don't disclose donors, reports Time.

The intrigue: Big names — from politicians to celebrities and content creators — have jumped in too.

Anti-redistricting backers include Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, former Trump White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer and former Gov. Youngkin. 

For the pro-redistricting side: Obama, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and even rapper Pusha T and John Legend, who filmed a pro-yes video from inside Altria Theater.

What we're watching: Which side breaks through the noise.

Why Virginia's redistricting referendum is confusing some voters

Dark money, dueling ads and celebrity cameos are part of a high-stakes fight that could reshape Virginia.

Illustration of a campaign sign that reads "Vote for ?".

One of the most unusual elections in recent Virginia politics is almost over.Why it matters: Virginia&#x27;s redistricting fight has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="filled with lawsuits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/13/virginia-supreme-court-redistricting-referendum" data-vars-content-id="8fa03a18-4965-4b15-97f2-9cf629647a60" data-vars-headline="Why Virginia&#x27;s redistricting referendum is confusing some voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/13/virginia-supreme-court-redistricting-referendum" target="_self">filled with lawsuits</a>, conflicting messaging, celebrity cameos, dark money and Democrats announcing campaigns for districts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="that don&#x27;t exist yet." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/11/virginia-redistricting-house-seats-2026" data-vars-content-id="8fa03a18-4965-4b15-97f2-9cf629647a60" data-vars-headline="Why Virginia&#x27;s redistricting referendum is confusing some voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/11/virginia-redistricting-house-seats-2026" target="_self">that don&#x27;t exist yet.</a>

Hanover County is betting on tomatoes, farms and road-trippers to become a tourism destination.

Why it matters: Until last fall, the county didn't have a tourism director. Now it has a tourism brand, website, app and a campaign targeting the I-95 corridor between D.C. and Richmond.

What they're saying: "If people know that we're here, we want to encourage them just to take that exit and explore," said Rachel Smith, Hanover's inaugural tourism director, in a recent county podcast.

Driving the news: The county's first major tourism push launched this month with "Visit Hanover VA," which aims to turn pass-through drivers and locals into tourists.

The strategy focuses on history, outdoor recreation, agritourism and events — complete with a smiling tomato mascot.

On its site, that mascot invites visitors to plan an itinerary from over 160 spots.

The tagline "Ripe for Discovery" also leans on: Big Thrills (Kings Dominion), Deep Roots (history and farms) and Legendary Tomatoes.

Zoom in: Smith tells Axios the county is "especially proud" to partner with farmers, a collaboration that will lead to more "interactive farm experiences," festivals and potentially concerts in the coming months.

And while the Hanover tomato might be the star, the pitch also includes Ashland's Strawberry Faire in June, classic car shows and a Highland cow farm.

What's next: Smith says the app has over 500 downloads and the website has logged thousands of visits in its first two weeks.

The data on lodging and visitor counts for April is expected in mid-May.

New Hanover tourism push targets locals, I-95 drivers

The county is launching a coordinated strategy to turn a drive-through into a tourism destination.

An aerial view of a large outdoor festival on a grassy field at sunset. Dozens of white tents and colorful canopies dot the area, with parked cars along the edges and a tall radio tower on the right.

An aerial shot of the annual Hanover Tomato Festival at Pole Green Park. Photo: Courtesy of Hanover County Tourism

Hanover County is betting on tomatoes, farms and road-trippers to become a tourism destination.Why it matters: Until <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last fall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hanovercounty.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/968#:~:text=Hanover%20County%20has%20named%20Rachel,her%20role%20on%20September%201." data-vars-content-id="cb95dbe0-626a-48a3-ad58-37435cd617b9" data-vars-headline="New Hanover tourism push targets locals, I-95 drivers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hanovercounty.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/968#:~:text=Hanover%20County%20has%20named%20Rachel,her%20role%20on%20September%201." target="_blank">last fall</a>, the county didn&#x27;t have a tourism director. Now it has a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourism brand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/visithanoverva/" data-vars-content-id="cb95dbe0-626a-48a3-ad58-37435cd617b9" data-vars-headline="New Hanover tourism push targets locals, I-95 drivers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/visithanoverva/" target="_blank">tourism brand</a>, website, app and a campaign targeting the I-95 corridor between D.C. and Richmond.

Sabrina Moreno

Featured stories

Richmond region split more on redistricting than governor's race

Richmond's "leave a trinket" boxes are popping up everywhere

New Hanover tourism push targets locals, I-95 drivers

Virginia voters approve effort to redraw congressional map

Why Virginia's redistricting referendum is confusing some voters