Virginia Voters to Decide Marriage Amendment November 3
The constitutional referendum will determine whether to remove the state's existing ban on same-sex marriage.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in LGBTQand
Live Poll
Should your state constitution explicitly guarantee that marriage is available to all couples equally?
Virginia voters will head to the polls on November 3 to decide on three constitutional amendments, including Question 2, which proposes removing the ban on same-sex marriage from the state constitution. The amendment would codify that two adults may marry regardless of sex, gender, or race.
Why it matters
Supporters aim to remove outdated language and codify protections for marriage equality in case the federal Obergefell v. Hodges ruling is overturned. Opponents express concerns that the proposed wording introduces broad legal implications regarding definitions of sex and gender.
As of August 31, Virginians for Marriage Equality raised $242,629, while opponents Defend Virginia's Sons and Daughters and Virginians Against 3 raised $25,287 and $5,865, respectively.
The players
Virginians for Marriage Equality
This advocacy group is actively campaigning for the passage of the marriage equality amendment.
Defend Virginia's Sons and Daughters
This organization opposes the proposed constitutional amendment and is raising funds to support their stance.
Virginians Against 3
This political action group is formally organized in opposition to the constitutional amendment on the ballot.
The details
The ballot initiative serves as a state-level measure to affirm marriage rights, as current federal legality relies on the 2015 Supreme Court ruling. Advocates seek to eliminate discriminatory statutes, while opposing groups argue the specific text creates wider ramifications for state law.
Timeline
2015: Supreme Court legalizes same-sex marriage via Obergefell v. Hodges.
2023: Williams Institute conducts survey on LGBTQ population statistics.
August 31, 2026: Deadline for campaign fundraising reports.
October 31, 2026: Final day for early voting.
November 3, 2026: Election Day for voters in Virginia.
Culture Shift
The ballot measure seeks to codify protections into the state constitution to prevent the potential loss of rights following the precedent set by the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. This move reflects a broader national trend of states acting to secure marriage equality amid uncertainty regarding federal judicial interpretations.
Residents must consider how the amendment's language will impact legal definitions of marriage in the state. Voters can participate in the decision-making process by casting ballots during the early voting window or on Election Day.
The takeaway
This vote marks a significant moment for Virginia as citizens weigh the future of marriage equality at the state level. Residents are encouraged to review the specific text of the proposed amendment to understand its full legal implications before heading to the polls.
What happens next
Early voting for the election continues through October 31, 2026, leading up to the final vote on Election Day, November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For additional context on statewide policy, visit the Virginia LGBTQand section.
More information
View official ballot details on the Virginia voter election information portal.
Live Poll
Should your state constitution explicitly guarantee that marriage is available to all couples equally?
