Arlington Democrats Endorse All Three Constitutional Amendments on Virginia’s November Ballot
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Owen Williams, Press & Public Relations Chair
ARLINGTON, Va. July 3, 2026 — The Arlington County Democratic Committee voted
overwhelmingly Wednesday evening to endorse all three proposed amendments to the
Constitution of Virginia that will appear on the November 3, 2026, ballot.
“These amendments would protect fundamental freedoms, remove discriminatory language from our state constitution, and strengthen participation in our democracy,” said Arlington Democrats Chair Paul Ruiz. “Arlington Democrats are proud to support all three and will work to ensure voters understand what is at stake in November.”
The committee’s action comes after the Arlington GOP announced its opposition to all three measures, presenting voters with a clear choice about the rights and values Virginia’s constitution should protect.
The proposed amendment would constitutionally protect decisions involving abortion care, contraception, fertility treatment, miscarriage management, prenatal care, postpartum care, and childbirth. It would ensure that personal reproductive health care decisions remain with patients and their medical providers.
The proposed amendment would automatically restore voting rights to citizens upon their release from incarceration. It would replace Virginia's current system, under which justice-impacted Virginians remain permanently disenfranchised unless the governor individually restores their rights, a power whose exercise has varied dramatically from administration to administration.
The proposed amendment would repeal the Marshall-Newman Amendment, Virginia’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, and guarantee equal treatment for all lawful marriages between two adults regardless of sex, gender, or race. Although the ban is currently unenforceable, its discriminatory language remains in Virginia’s constitution and could become enforceable if the Supreme Court were to revisit its 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.
All three amendments were approved by the General Assembly in two successive legislative sessions, as required by Virginia’s constitutional amendment process. They will take effect if approved by a majority of voters on November 3. Arlington Democrats urge all eligible voters to vote YES on all three constitutional amendments.
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