Three constitutional amendments may appear on the ballot in Virginia in the 2026 General Election

The November 4^th election in Virginia will determine the fate of the three proposed constitutional amendments supported by Virginia NOW and dozens of allied organizations. The amendments themselves will not be in the ballot BUT the delegates who will vote for or against them WILL be on the ballot.

It’s up to us to vote for Equality Champions who will vote for these amendments and ensure they get on the ballot in 2026.

The amendments will enshrine reproductive freedom in the constitution, ensure same-sex marriage is protected, and restore voting rights to former felons.

Proposed constitutional amendments must be passed twice by lawmakers in two consecutive years, with an intervening election between the two sessions. 

Then the amendments can go on the ballot in a general election. 

Each must pass in the House of Delegates in 2026. If approved again, the amendments will appear on the November 2026 ballot for voter consideration.

That’s why it’s critical to vote for Equality Champions in the November 4^th, 2025 election.   

The three amendments will make Virginia a fairer, stronger, safer place for women, families, those who have been on the margins, and many others.

The Amendment Process

Three constitutional amendments may appear on the ballot in Virginia in the 2026 General Election: 

1. Reproductive Freedom Amendment: This amendment seeks to enshrine the right to reproductive freedom, including abortion, into the Virginia Constitution. It will protect the entire continuum of reproductive health care in Virginia, from contraception to miscarriage care as well as in vitro fertilization.
2. Same-Sex Marriage Ban Removal Amendment: This measure aims to amend the Constitution to remove a provision stating that marriage is only between one man and one woman, and prohibit the state from denying marriage licenses based on sex, gender, or race.
3. Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Upon Release Amendment: This amendment proposes restoring voting rights to felons automatically upon their release from incarceration. 

Key points

• The fate of these amendments is closely tied to the control of the Virginia House of Delegates, as Democrats, who currently hold a narrow majority, have been the primary drivers of these measures.
• Republicans have generally opposed the reproductive rights amendment. While some Republicans supported the voting rights and marriage equality amendments in 2025, their continued support is not guaranteed in 2026.