Virginia’s 2026 constitutional amendments: What could be on the ballot in November

In early 2026, Virginia lawmakers advanced several proposed constitutional amendments that—if approved by the full General Assembly this session—could go before voters statewide in November. Together, these proposals would shape how reproductive freedom, marriage equality, and political representation are protected under Virginia law—areas that directly affect women’s health, economic security, and political voice.

Because constitutional amendments change the state’s foundational governing document, the stakes are higher—and the process more deliberate—than ordinary legislation.

What's Moving Forward

• Reproductive Freedom - Lawmakers advanced a constitutional amendment protecting reproductive freedom in 2025, and the Virginia Senate again approved it in January 2026. If the full legislature acts this session, the amendment could go before voters statewide in November.
• Redistricting and Representation - Lawmakers are also advancing amendments that address how legislative districts are drawn, to reduce partisan manipulation and strengthen standards for representation. For women, fair district lines directly affect whether issues such as reproductive healthcare access, workplace protections, family leave, and violence prevention are meaningfully represented in the legislature.
• Marriage Equality - Some legislators are seeking to remove outdated language from an existing amendment that conflicts with current federal protections for same-sex marriage, bringing the state's Constitution in line with existing law.

Why it Matters

Unlike ordinary laws, constitutional amendments are difficult to change or repeal. Once adopted, they set long-term boundaries on what lawmakers can and can't do.

That means:

• Rights written into the Constitution are harder to roll back
• Future legislatures have less flexibility to weaken protections
• Voters play a direct role in determining which rights are permanent

Background

Virginia has one of the more structured processes for changing its Constitution. Proposed amendments must pass the Virginia General Assembly in two separate legislative sessions, with a statewide election in between. Only after clearing both sessions are amendments placed on the ballot for voter approval.

This multi-year process is designed to slow constitutional change and ensure broad consensus. As a result, amendments that reach the ballot typically reflect sustained legislative momentum rather than short-term political shifts.

The proposals advancing in early 2026 build on actions taken during the 2025 session, meaning lawmakers are now at a critical point: decisions made this year will determine which measures—if any—are finalized for voter consideration in November. If an amendment does not advance this session, it cannot appear on the 2026 ballot and would need to restart the process in a future legislature.

For voters, this structure means the upcoming election—if these measures qualify—would represent the final step in a process already years in the making, with direct implications for how rights and representation are defined under Virginia’s highest governing document.

Resources

Virginia Public Media - State Senate approves constitutional amendments for voters' consideration
Virginia Mercury - Virginia lawmakers send reproductive rights amendment toward November vote