{"id":2393818,"date":"2025-01-22T13:47:02","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T18:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/virginia-senate-passes-first-step-to-get-social-issues-on-2026-ballot\/"},"modified":"2025-01-22T13:49:11","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T18:49:11","slug":"virginia-senate-passes-first-step-to-get-social-issues-on-2026-ballot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/virginia-senate-passes-first-step-to-get-social-issues-on-2026-ballot\/","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Senate passes first step to get social issues on 2026 ballot"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fvirginia-senate-passes-first-step-to-get-social-issues-on-2026-ballot%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2393818&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The Virginia \u200dstate Senate has taken \u200dthe \u200binitial step to place amendments regarding abortion\u2062 and marriage on the ballot \u2063for voters in 2026.\u200d This legislative move aims to address and possibly\u2064 alter the current legal standings on these significant social issues \u2063in the state.\u200d The \u200bprocess \u200cindicates a \u200bbroader initiative \u2064to engage citizens \u2064in decision-making concerning these topics. The virginia state Senate&#8217;s\u200c decision to advance\u2064 amendments related to\u200c abortion and marriage for the \u200b2026 ballot reflects a growing emphasis on \u2063direct voter \u200dengagement in shaping \u200blaws that impact social\u2064 issues. By placing these amendments before the electorate, lawmakers are inviting citizens\u200b to have a say in decisions that can <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">significantly affect personal\u200d rights<\/a> and societal\u200c norms.<\/p>\n<p>This initiative could signal a range of motivations,including\u200b responding\u200c to \u200cpublic\u2063 sentiment,reflecting changing attitudes on these issues,or potentially addressing judicial rulings and legislative actions that have shaped the current legal landscape. The process involves careful drafting \u200band consideration of\u200d the specific language to ensure clarity for voters,\u2062 and also garnering \u2064support from\u2063 various stakeholders and advocacy\u200d groups.<\/p>\n<p>As elections approach, discussions surrounding\u2063 these amendments are likely to become focal points of political campaigns, further energizing debates on personal freedoms and state authority. Ultimately, the outcomes of these ballot measures will depend on\u2063 voter turnout and the prevailing attitudes\u2064 in Virginia at \u2063that time.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Virginia Senate approves first step to get abortion and marriage on 2026 ballot<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1942980\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/virginia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Virginia\">Virginia<\/a> state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/state-legislatures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Virginia\">Senate<\/a> completed the first step to send a set of amendments on abortion and marriage before voters in next year&rsquo;s elections.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Lawmakers pushed forward a trio of amendments. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/abortion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"abortion\">abortion<\/a> amendment would enshrine a &ldquo;fundamental right&rdquo; to abortion, restricting the government from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/virginia-house-democrats-push-forward-amendments-on-abortion-and-marriage-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Virginia House Democrats push forward amendments on abortion and marriage - Washington Examiner\">making laws barring<\/a> an abortion before the third trimester, but would also permit abortion in the third trimester to &ldquo;protect the life or physical or mental health&rdquo; of the mother. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/marriage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"marriage\">marriage<\/a> amendment would repeal a defunct provision that stated it to be between a man and a woman, while the other amendment would <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/only-democratic-representative-to-vote-against-h-r-1-election-bill-explains-decision\/\" title=\"Only Democratic Representative To Vote Against H.R. 1 Election Bill Explains Decision\">restore voting rights<\/a> for felons once they have served their sentences.<\/p>\n<p>All three amendments being pushed by Virginia Democrats were approved Tuesday by the state Senate, after being <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3287214\/virginia-house-democrats-push-forward-amendments-abortion-marriage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"approved\">approved<\/a> in the state House of Delegates last week. The abortion and felon voting measures passed on a 21-19 party-line vote, with Democrats in the majority, while the marriage measure passed 24-15, with three Republicans joining all Democrats in the majority.<\/p>\n<p>For the set of amendments to make it before voters in 2026, it will need to be passed by both chambers of the state legislature again next year. The governor cannot veto the measures.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;The passage of three constitutional amendments today by the Senate are a major milestone towards recognizing the fundamental rights of all Virginians,&rdquo; Democratic state Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell said in a statement. &ldquo;Senate Democrats ran on codifying Roe v. Wade, affirming marriage equality, and excising Jim Crow from the Constitution of Virginia and today we delivered. This starts the process of giving Virginia voters a chance to affirm cherished rights.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Republicans in the state Senate warned that the abortion amendment could undo several laws on the books and had pushed to add parental consent and a requirement for doctors to save babies&rsquo; lives if they survive an abortion, but Democrats voted both amendments down.<\/p>\n<p>Virginia is one of the only states in the South with loose abortion laws, alongside North Carolina, which allows abortion up to 12 weeks, with some exceptions for after that period. The Old Dominion&rsquo;s abortion laws allow for the procedure&nbsp;through viability.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"><strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The three amendments will need to be approved next year by both chambers, after November&rsquo;s state House elections, which could put Republicans in the majority. Control of the narrowly divided state Senate will not be up for a vote, but control of the hotly contested state House after the 2025 elections could put the trio of amendments in jeopardy.<\/p>\n<p>Elections for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general will also be held in the commonwealth on Nov. 4.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1942980\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1942980\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Virginia Senate takes initial step for abortion and marriage amendments on 2026 ballot<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2638,"featured_media":2393819,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/virginia-senate-constitutional-amendments.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[49010,4762,5894,36479,49009],"class_list":["post-2393818","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-2026-ballot","tag-legislation","tag-politics","tag-social-issues","tag-virginia-senate"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/virginia-senate-constitutional-amendments.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2393818","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2638"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2393818"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2393818\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2393822,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2393818\/revisions\/2393822"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2393819"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2393818"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2393818"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2393818"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}