constitutional amendment Archives

Virginia Democrats Encourage House GOP to Back Felon Voting Rights Constitutional Amendment

March 7, 2022March 6, 2022 The Center Square

Virginia House and Senate Democrats are urging House Republicans to support resolutions to allow voters to decide the fate of two proposed constitutional amendments: the automatic restoration of voting rights for felons and same-sex marriage rights.

To adopt a constitutional amendment, both chambers of the General Assembly must pass two identical resolutions two years in a row, with a House of Delegates election in between those years. If approved in the Legislature, the proposed amendment would appear on the general ballot during the fall elections. If supported by the majority of voters, the proposed amendment would be adopted.

Virginia Democrats Encourage House GOP to Back Felon Voting Rights Constitutional Amendment

March 7, 2022March 7, 2022 The Center Square

Congressional Candidate Kiggans Signs Pledge to Support Term Limits Amendment

May 31, 2021May 30, 2021 Eric Burk

Senator Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia Beach) has signed a pledge to support a term limits Constitutional amendment if she is elected to Congress. The proposed amendment would limit U.S. representatives to three terms, and U.S. Senators to two terms. Of Virginia’s current federal legislators, only Congressman Bob Good (R-Virginia-05) has signed the pledge. Good is also a cosponsor of HJR 12 in the current Congressional session.

“Term limits on elected officials will help guarantee the will of the people, not special interests or career politicians, are being heard,” Kiggans said in a press release.

Virginia Gov. Northam Restores Civil Rights to 69,000 Felons

March 18, 2021March 17, 2021 Eric Burk

Governor Ralph Northam announced the restoration of civil rights, including voting rights, to 69,000 felons. In the Tuesday announcement, Northam said would restore the rights for anyone who had been released from incarceration.

“Too many of our laws were written during a time of open racism and discrimination, and they still bear the traces of inequity,” Northam said in a press release.

Virginia Senate and House Disagree over How to Restore Felon Voting Rights

February 18, 2021February 17, 2021 Eric Burk

The Senate and the House of Delegates face a disagreement over constitutional amendments to end felon disenfranchisement. SJ 272, introduced by Senator Mamie Locke (D-Hampton) and HJ 555, introduced by House Majority Leader Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria) both effectively restore felon voting rights after the term of imprisonment is completed. However, the two bills feature different language, and on Wednesday, the Senate shot down an attempt by the House to change SJ 272 to match HJ 555. Now, the two chambers will attempt to draft a compromise bill in conference.

Republican National Committee Announces Support of ‘Keep Nine Amendment’ to Prevent Packing of Supreme Court

January 10, 2021January 9, 2021 Jason M. Reynolds

The Republican National Committee (RNC) has come out in support of the proposed “Keep Nine Amendment” that, if enacted, would prevent packing the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Resolutions Committee adopted the resolution of support, the RNC said in a statement Friday.

Applications Open for Citizen Members of Virginia’s Redistricting Commission

December 1, 2020November 30, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Starting on Monday, applications for state residents to become citizen members of the Virginia Redistricting Commission are now open and available online.

Virginians have until December 28th, or just under a month, to apply for the possibility to serve alongside eight lawmakers on the commission and take part in the state’s new process for drawing legislative and congressional district lines.

Virginians to Decide Gerrymandering Amendment

September 28, 2020September 27, 2020 Virginia Star Staff

An anti-gerrymandering constitutional amendment that would change the way legislative districts are drawn in Virginia will be decided on the ballot.

The amendment is intended to prevent gerrymandering by establishing a 16-person bipartisan redistricting commission that would propose redistricting plans to the General Assembly. The General Assembly would be allowed to approve or decline the proposals, but would not be allowed to offer any amendments.