Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Early voting ends in Virginia on Oct. 31. Polls are open on Election Day, Nov. 3, from 6 am. Until 7 p.m. (Michael O’Connor/Dogwood)

By Michael O’Connor

Virginia voters in every locality will vote this fall on whether to make three changes to the state constitution. 

The three ballot questions have to do with reproductive rights, marriage equality, and voting rights restoration. 

Voting on these constitutional amendments is the last step in the multi-year process required to amend the state constitution. 

Reproductive freedom

The amendment related to reproductive freedom would enshrine the right to an abortion, birth control, miscarriage management, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the state constitution. 

Here’s the question that will be on the ballot.

Abortion is legal in Virginia, but advocates view adding abortion rights to the state’s constitution as a necessary step in the wake of the US Supreme Court taking away the federal right to abortion with the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. 

Marriage equality

The marriage equality amendment would remove language from the state Constitution that bans same-sex marriage. That language is overridden by federal law which protects same-sex marriages, but advocates worry about losing that protection if federal law changes.

Here’s how the question will appear on the ballot.

Voting rights restoration

The voting rights restoration amendment would allow for the automatic restoration of voting rights for people who have served prison time for a felony conviction. Currently, people who serve time for felony convictions lose their right to vote in Virginia and have to petition the governor to get it back.

According to the Fair Elections Center the amendment would fix a “ deeply broken system.” 

Here’s how the question will appear on the ballot.

Dogwood’s political correspondent, Michael O’Connor, has been asking Virginia voters what concerns them most in 2026.

Many issues bother Leanne Currie-McGhee, but the Navy veteran told Dogwood that the war with Iran is upsetting her.

“No one wants Iran to have nuclear weapons, but this was absolutely not the way to go about it, and I think has put us in a weaker position globally and certainly also has affected us economically,” Currie-McGhee said.

Frank Smith of James City County said he’s mad that the Trump administration is undermining the country’s offshore wind industry.

And climate issues were a top priority for Vienna resident Bobby Monacella, an organizer with the climate justice nonprofit Mothers Out Front, when she considered which candidates to support in this fall’s elections.

What issue is inspiring your vote? 

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(Sending us a quick video also enters you into a giveaway* for a chance to win $25!)

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