It’s official — the U.S. Department of Justice has signed off on new maps for Virginia’s 140 statehouse districts, clearing the way for candidates to run in newly drawn districts as scheduled this year.

“Obviously we are pleased by the Department of Justice’s determination that the state legislative redistricting plan passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor complies with the Voting Rights Act,” said Attorney General Ken Cucccinelli.  “We have believed from the beginning of this process that Virginia complied with all legal and constitutional requirements in adopting the new district lines, and the decision of the Department of Justice simply confirms that belief.”