Panel Weighs Virginia Amendments Ahead of Midterms
VCU's "What's at Stake?" panel examined ballot measures and key House races before the November 3 election.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Elections
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On Oct. 28, 2026, the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences held its "What's at Stake?" midterm informational panel. Panelists discussed three constitutional amendments on the ballot in several states, including Virginia.
Why it matters
The panel focused on topics panelists considered most important for voters to understand before Election Day. Virginia voters will decide on amendments covering voting rights for people with felonies and reproductive freedom and same-sex marriage.
The panel discussed three constitutional amendments on the ballot in several states, with the marriage amendment set to repeal Virginia's 2006 ban on same-sex marriage. The first district race features Republican incumbent Rob Whitman against Democratic challenger Shannon Taylor, and the outcome remains uncertain ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
The players
Anthony Godfrey
Godfrey is a former U.S. ambassador who argued that criticism of America's Israel policies would no longer drive down fundraising or prompt accusations of anti-semitism.
Bill Bolling
Bolling is a former Virginia lieutenant governor who said the first district race will hinge on early, absentee and election-day voting.
The details
Panelists Ambassador Anthony Godfrey, former Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, and assistant professors of political science Hollie Mann and Jatia Wrighten discussed the midterms. Mann said candidates and parties are invoking ideas about masculinity and femininity to persuade voters.
Timeline
Oct. 28, 2026: VCU panel "What's at Stake?" held
Nov. 3, 2026: Midterm election day
Political Context
The marriage equality amendment would repeal Virginia's 2006 constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, reversing a provision voters approved nearly two decades ago. The measure is one of three constitutional amendments appearing on ballots in several states this November.
Richmond-area voters will decide on amendments restoring voting rights for people with felonies and protecting reproductive freedom and same-sex marriage. Early voting, absentee ballots, and election-day turnout will shape the outcome of the first and second district races.
The takeaway
Voters in Richmond and across Virginia should review the specific wording of each constitutional amendment before Nov. 3, since the measures would alter long-standing state provisions on voting rights, reproductive freedom, and marriage.
Further reading
Explore more on Elections coverage for Richmond readers following the midterms.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Commonwealth Times.
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