Virginia - What to watch in 2026

Last updated: March 4, 2026

Update: Virginia voters are now expected to see two additional constitutional amendments on the November 2026 ballot. One would add protections for reproductive healthcare decisions to the state constitution. The other would remove Virginia’s outdated same-sex marriage ban and formally guarantee marriage equality under state law. Both measures advanced through the legislature in 2026 and will now go to voters for final approval.

Virginia currently maintains strong protections for women’s rights in areas such as reproductive care and voting access. However, many of these protections are written into state law rather than the state constitution. Because of that, future elections and legislative decisions can play an important role in determining whether current policies remain in place, expand, or change over time.

What’s at stake

Reproductive healthcare access

Abortion remains legal in Virginia under existing state law. However, access is governed by legislation rather than the state constitution, meaning it could still be changed by future lawmakers.

In 2025 and 2026, the Virginia legislature approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would protect reproductive freedom in the state constitution. Because constitutional amendments in Virginia must pass two consecutive legislative sessions before going to voters, the measure is now expected to appear on the 2026 ballot in November.

Voting and civic participation

Virginia has expanded early voting and other options that make it easier for residents to cast a ballot. However, most of these policies are written into state law and not constitutionally protected. That means future lawmakers could change how voting works in the state, including rules around early voting, registration, and election administration.

Workplace protections

Virginia has taken steps to strengthen workplace accommodations and protections for pregnant workers. While these policies expanded workplace protections, their scope and enforcement depend on continued legislative support and administrative follow-through.

What will be on the ballot — and when

Virginia voters will have the opportunity to participate in three elections that will impact how women’s rights laws are written, interpreted, and enforced.

Special Election (April 21)

• Constitutional amendment on redistricting: Virginia voters are expected to consider a constitutional amendment related to how congressional districts are drawn. District lines determine who represents communities in Congress, which in turn affects how federal laws impacting women are shaped and debated.

Primary elections (June 16, 2026)

• State legislative primaries
  • The Virginia House of Delegates (all seats)
  • The Virginia State Senate (all seats)

Primaries determine which candidates advance to the general election, and outcomes shape which policy approaches are available to voters in November

General election (November 3, 2026)

• Virginia House of Delegates (all seats)
• Virginia State Senate (all seats)
• U.S. House of Representatives
• Potential constitutional amendment votes, including:
  • Reproductive Freedom Amendment — would add protections for reproductive healthcare decisions to the Virginia Constitution.
  • Marriage Equality Amendment — would remove the existing same-sex marriage ban from the state constitution and guarantee marriage equality under state law.

These offices and ballot measures influence whether new laws advance or stall, how existing laws are enforced or defended, and whether unresolved legal questions gain clarity or remain contested.

Election resources

The following links provide official information about the ballot, voter registration, and elected representatives:

Virginia Department of Elections — voter registration, polling locations, and election dates
Ballotpedia — Virginia elections, 2026

Locate your district's representatives

• Who's My Legislator - An interactive map and locator tool
• House of Delegates - The official House member directory
• State Senate - The official Senate directory

WRDI provides election context to support an informed understanding of how laws and policies change. The initiative does not endorse candidates or parties.