Virginia Voters Will Decide Marriage Equality Amendment
Residents will vote on Question 2 this November to remove outdated marriage bans from the state constitution.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Marriage
Live Poll
Should your state constitution be updated to explicitly protect marriage equality?
Virginia voters are set to cast ballots on Question 2 during the November 2026 election to codify marriage rights. The referendum seeks to remove an outdated ban on same-sex marriage that remains in the state constitution.
Why it matters
Supporters aim to ensure legal protections by removing discriminatory language, acting in response to national policy trends. Approval of the measure would enshrine marriage equality within the state's foundational law.
The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to strike down a ban that has existed for 20 years. Same-sex marriage was previously made legal in Virginia on October 6, 2014.
The players
Trump-Vance administration
This is the current executive leadership of the United States federal government.
The details
Voters will mark their ballots on Question 2 to determine if the state constitution should be updated to protect marriage equality. Campaign efforts to mobilize support are currently underway as early voting has commenced.
Timeline
October 6, 2014: Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Virginia.
2015: U.S. Supreme Court issues Obergefell ruling.
November 2026: Referendum on marriage equality appears on the ballot.
Culture Shift
The Virginia referendum reflects a broader movement to solidify protections that follow the national precedent set by the 2015 Obergefell U.S. Supreme Court ruling. This push marks a significant shift as states move to remove outdated language from their own governing documents.
Residents should confirm their registration status and polling location as early voting for this November referendum has already begun. Approval of Question 2 will directly impact the constitutional rights of couples across the state.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to research the specific language of Question 2 before heading to the polls this November. Engaging in the referendum process is the primary way for residents to influence the constitutional status of marriage rights in Virginia.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's legal climate by visiting the Marriage section.
More information
For resources on the upcoming vote, visit the campaign information and mobilization portal.
Live Poll
Should your state constitution be updated to explicitly protect marriage equality?
