Virginia - What to watch in 2026

Last updated: May 12, 2026

Virginia is a state where many current protections for women’s rights are written into state law rather than the state constitution. That means policies can still be changed by future lawmakers.

In November, Virginia voters will decide whether to add reproductive rights protections to the state constitution, making those protections harder to reverse in the future.

At the same time, recent decisions by the Virginia Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court have highlighted how courts can shape voting rights and political representation, even after voters approve constitutional changes.

What’s at stake

Several constitutional and election-related decisions are shaping women’s rights and political representation in Virginia in 2026. Some proposals remain on the November ballot, while other voter-approved changes are already being challenged in court.

Reproductive Freedom Amendment

Would amend the Virginia Constitution to establish a right to make decisions about pregnancy, including abortion.

The amendment would limit when the state can restrict that right, requiring a compelling reason to do so. It would also prohibit the state from penalizing someone for receiving or helping with care related to pregnancy outcomes, including abortion, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

• A YES vote would add these protections to the constitution.
• A NO vote would leave current laws in place without constitutional protection.

Because this proposal would amend the state constitution, it would make these protections more durable and harder to change through future legislation.

Redistricting and political representation

In April 2026, Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment related to congressional redistricting. However, the Virginia Supreme Court later ruled the amendment unconstitutional, preventing the new districts from taking effect.

That decision is now being appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, making Virginia part of a broader national debate over redistricting, voting representation, and the role courts play in determining whether voter-approved changes can move forward.

Additional constitutional amendments

• Marriage Equality Amendment
  Would remove an existing same-sex marriage ban from the state constitution and formally guarantee marriage equality.
• Voting Rights Restoration Amendment
  Would amend the Virginia Constitution to automatically restore voting rights to people with felony convictions after they complete their prison sentences.

Primary elections (June 16, 2026)

• US House of Representatives
• US Senate

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)

• U.S. House of Representatives (11 seats)
• US Senate (1 seat)
• Constitutional amendments
  • Right to Reproductive Freedom
  • Voting Rights Restoration
  • Remove the Constitutional Same-Sex Marriage Ban Amendment 

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.