Richmond-Petersburg Voters to Decide on Marriage Equality Amendment in 2026

Richmond Petersburg, VA, September 18, 2026 — A significant proposed amendment to the Virginia Constitution, designated as “Ballot Question 2,” will be presented to voters in the Richmond-Petersburg area during the 2026 midterm elections. This ballot initiative seeks to alter the state’s foundational document regarding marriage equality.

The core of Ballot Question 2 involves repealing the amendment adopted by the state in 2006, which defined marriage exclusively as between one man and one woman. If approved by voters, the new language would amend the constitution to affirm that two adults are permitted to marry regardless of their sex, gender, or race. The proposed text also aims to ensure that all marriages legally recognized within the state are treated with equal standing under the law.

The outcome of the vote will have distinct implications for the constitutional status of marriage in Virginia. A “Yes” vote on Ballot Question 2 would signify voter approval to codify these updated provisions into the state constitution, thereby establishing marriage equality at the constitutional level. Conversely, a “No” vote would result in the rejection of the amendment. In that scenario, the current constitutional language, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, would remain in place. Voters opting “No” would rely on federal legal protections, such as those afforded by the Supreme Court’s rulings and subsequent federal legislation, to ensure the recognition of same-sex marriages.

The specific date of the 2026 midterm elections was not provided in the summary. Similarly, details regarding the legislative process leading to the placement of this question on the ballot, including the specific legislative bodies that advanced it, were not included in the available information.

Story summarized from the original created by Adrienne Hoar McGibbon on www.vpm.org, see more information here.