Voters to Decide on Key State Ballot Measures

Residents in Virginia and Maryland will head to the polls this November to vote on constitutional referenda and redistricting.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Marriage

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a ballot box in deep red and cream, representing the upcoming state-level constitutional referenda. — Virginia and Maryland voters will decide this November on critical state ballot measures regarding constitutional marriage rights, reproductive protections, and legislative redistricting. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support using state ballot referenda to decide sensitive social and political issues?

Voters across Virginia and Maryland are set to cast ballots on significant state-level referenda this November. The measures address issues ranging from constitutional marriage rights to legislative redistricting authority.

Why it matters

These ballot questions represent a direct opportunity for residents to shape their state constitutions and electoral processes. The outcomes will establish binding legal precedents for marriage equality, reproductive rights, and how legislative boundaries are drawn.

In Maryland, 73% of Republicans, 59% of independents, and 42% of Democrats currently oppose Question 3. Additionally, 11% of Maryland voters remain undecided on this redistricting measure.

The players

Michael Burbidge

He is a Bishop who has publicly opposed Virginia's marriage equality and reproductive rights ballot questions.

The details

Virginia Question 2 seeks to codify same-sex marriage rights within the state Constitution, while Question 1 aims to enshrine reproductive rights. Meanwhile, Maryland voters are weighing Question 3, a proposal that would grant state lawmakers increased authority over the redistricting process.

June 1, 2026: The Virginians for Marriage Equality campaign launched in Richmond.
October 2026: Bishop Michael Burbidge publicly urged voters to oppose ballot measures.

Culture Shift

These ballot initiatives reflect a growing societal trend of bypassing legislative gridlock to enshrine rights directly within state governing documents. This movement positions state constitutions as the primary venue for settling high-stakes cultural and electoral debates.

These votes will have immediate consequences for residents, potentially altering state constitutional protections regarding marriage and reproductive access. Voters should review their specific local ballot language to understand how these changes could impact their daily legal rights.

The takeaway

Voters are increasingly using the ballot process to decide fundamental social and electoral issues rather than relying on state legislatures. Residents should study the specific ballot questions in their district to participate effectively in the upcoming election.