VIRGINIA VOTERS TO DECIDE THREE MAJOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS IN NOVEMBER ELECTION

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Virginia voters are preparing to make several major decisions that could permanently change the Commonwealth's constitution during the November 3 general election.

In addition to choosing representatives in Congress, residents will vote on three proposed constitutional amendments involving reproductive rights, marriage, and voting eligibility.

The first proposed amendment would establish constitutional protections for decisions involving reproductive health care.

These protections would include pregnancy, childbirth, contraception, fertility treatments, and abortion, while allowing certain restrictions on abortion during the third trimester.

A legal challenge concerning the amendment is already moving through the courts. A hearing is scheduled for November 13 if voters approve the measure.

The second amendment would remove Virginia's existing constitutional prohibition on same-sex marriage and establish protections for marriages between two adults regardless of sex, gender, or race.

Although same-sex marriage is already legal nationwide under federal constitutional protections, Virginia's existing constitutional language has not been removed.

The third amendment would change the rules governing voting rights for individuals convicted of felonies.

If approved, voting rights would be automatically restored upon release from incarceration, rather than depending on the current restoration process.

It would also establish a fundamental right to vote in the Virginia Constitution and revise language concerning individuals found by a court to lack the capacity to understand voting.

Virginia residents will vote separately on each proposal, allowing them to approve or reject each amendment independently.

Early in-person voting continues through Saturday, October 31.

On Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, polling locations across Virginia will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The outcome of these votes could establish long-lasting changes to Virginia law.

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