Elections
- Virginia Lawmakers Advance Home Health Care Authority Bill for Collective Bargaining
House Bill 1263 would create a state authority enabling collective bargaining for home health workers and certain public employees while setting startup costs and regulatory conditions.
- Virginia Republicans urge Spanberger to call special session for fuel-tax holiday
Republican lawmakers are urging Gov. Abigail Spanberger to call a special session to suspend Virginia’s gasoline and diesel taxes for 90 days to ease fuel costs for families and businesses.
- Attorney General Jones Permanently Blocks Federal SNAP Penalties Targeting Virginia
A federal judge in Oregon made a multi-state injunction permanent, shielding Virginia from steep SNAP fines and clarifying food aid for certain lawful permanent residents.
- Virginia Senate Amendment Targets Faster Absentee Ballot Handling on Election Day
Senator Rome advances a change to Senate Bill 350 permitting local registrars to process absentee and early ballots during voting hours to ease worker burdens and support timely results.
- State regulators to allow part of NextEra’s political past to be examined in Dominion merger case
Virginia State Corporation Commission allows new documents in the Dominion-NextEra merger case.
- Early voting begins in Virginia, as Trump mail-ballot restrictions remain blocked
Early voting for the Nov. 3 midterm elections begins Friday, with a U.S. Senate race, all 11 congressional seats, three proposed constitutional amendments and numerous local referendums on ballots across the commonwealth.
- Virginia’s Democratic Trifecta Passes 49 Election Bills as Felony Voting Rights Head to November Ballot
Ballotpedia counts a 250 percent jump in election measures; ranked-choice voting is now permanent, Virginia joined the National Popular Vote compact, and automatic rights restoration awaits voters November 3.
- With United States House control hanging in the balance, Wittman faces Taylor in contentious Virginia-01 race
U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, left, is running for reelection in Virginia's 1st Congressional District, as Democratic challenger Shannon Taylor aims to unseat him.
- New guidance limits voting disqualifications to murder, manslaughter convictions
Among Virginians who are no longer incarcerated, only those convicted of murder and voluntary or involuntary manslaughter remain disqualified from voting under new guidance from the Virginia Department of Elections.
- Republican veteran Tony Sabio is on a ‘mission’ to win Virginia’s most Democratic United States House seat
Republican Tony Sabio is vying to replace Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Don Beyer in Virginia's 8th Congressional District race.
- Early Voting Opens Across Virginia as Mail Ballot Fight Continues
Virginia voters can cast ballots early in the 2026 election while courts continue to weigh a dispute over federal limits on mail voting.
- Elections Department Limits Felony Voting Bars to Murder and Manslaughter
New guidance follows a federal Readmission Act ruling and arrives days before early voting for the Nov. 3 midterms.
- Early Voting for November 3 Begins September 18 Across Virginia
The Department of Elections says every locality will offer early in-person voting through Oct. 31, including new Sunday hours before Election Day.
- Rob Wittman, Running Again in Virginia First Congressional District, Supports Trump’s $1.5 Trillion Defense Spending Budget
U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, is backing President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense spending budget, as the nation marks its eighth month in a war with Iran that Trump launched without congressional approval.
- Virginia House Advances House Bill 78 to Bolster Election Certification Protocols and Electoral Board Requirements
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia House of Delegates has passed House Bill 78, a measure designed to clarify and strengthen the duties of local electoral boards in certifying election results, sending it to the Senate for consideration amid ongoing efforts to maintain uniformity and reliability in the state’s election processes. Introduced by Delegate Price on
- David Reid House Bill 182 on High School History Substitutions Clears Assembly
RICHMOND, Va. — House Bill 182, a measure altering high school graduation requirements by permitting substitutions in history and social studies credits, has successfully navigated the Virginia General Assembly and now awaits action from Governor Abigail Spanberger. The bill, introduced by Delegate David Reid of the 28th District in Loudoun County, seeks to provide students
- Kelly Convirs-Fowler House Bill 187 Codifies Virginia Beach 10-1 Council Charter
RICHMOND, Va. – Legislation to update the City of Virginia Beach’s charter, reflecting the shift to a city council composed entirely of single-member districts plus a mayor, has cleared both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly and now awaits final action following the governor’s recommendations. House Bill 187, introduced by Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler with co-patrons
- Atoosa Reaser House Bill 71 on Absentee Satellite Offices Continued to 2027
RICHMOND — In a move highlighting ongoing debates over election administration, the Virginia House Privileges and Elections Committee voted on February 13, 2026, to continue House Bill 71 to the 2027 session by voice vote. The legislation, introduced by Delegate Atoosa Reaser as
- Marcia Price Bill Extending Landlord Eviction Wait Passes Senate, Heads to Abigail Spanberger
RICHMOND, Virginia – In a closely divided vote, the Virginia Senate approved House Bill 15 on March 10, 2026, by a tally of 21-19, sending the measure to Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk.
- Public Comment at Loudoun County School Board Highlights Concerns Over Renaming Committee Process
The speaker stated that the group is expected to prioritize input coming specifically from this area and put forward recommendations reflective of community sentiments. Concerns were raised about past processes that became highly political, prompting the board to commit to closely monitoring the current effort to ensure it discourages such maneuvering.
- Brace yourself for brutal, expensive campaigns in Virginia congressional swing districts this fall
If you live in or near the media markets serving Hampton Roads, the Peninsula up to the Northern Neck and Richmond and its suburbs, prepare for the most acrid, expensive and desperate congressional campaigns you’ve ever endured. Depending on how rancid the winds of current events blowing in from across the Potomac become, you could […]
- Judge affirms ruling in favor of former felons in voting rights lawsuit
Despite winning a lawsuit earlier this year that found that certain Virginians with felony convictions should not have lost their voting rights, some Virginians missed their chance to vote in congressional primary elections earlier this month. But a new ruling from U.S. District Court Judge John Gibney means that they will be able to vote […]
- Congressional Candidate in Virginia’s 10th District Dave Beckwith Highlights Service Record
Dave Beckwith is running for the United States House of Representatives in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. In a recent statement, he noted that he swore an oath to defend the Constitution three decades ago and maintains that commitment in his current campaign. The district encompasses areas in northern Virginia where voters are preparing for primary […]
- Alongside Jen Kiggans, United States House Speaker says Virginia’s 2nd District ‘will determine the fate of the country’
As part of an 18-state tour through more than 30 congressional districts, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said Monday that “Virginia’s 2nd District will determine the fate of the country because this will be a close election.” As Johnson stumped for U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach, at the Cavalier Hotel on Monday, he […]
- Jen Kiggans Engages with Federal Bureau of Investigation on Public Safety and Election Measures
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans joined FBI Director Kash Patel and Hampton Roads law enforcement for a discussion on public safety issues. The meeting focused on collaboration between federal agencies and local partners to address crime and security challenges in the region. Kiggans has represented Virginia’s Second Congressional District since 2023, covering areas including Virginia Beach and […]
- Virginia Department of Elections Demands Massive Budget Increases Amidst Glaring Fiscal Waste
Virginia taxpayers are facing an increasingly heavy financial burden as the state government proposes significant and questionable budget increases for the Department of Elections. The Administration secretariat, which directly oversees the state electoral department, is slated for a massive 6.5 percent overall General Fund spending increase for the upcoming 2026-2028 biennium. Fiscal conservative
- Campaign to enshrine voting rights in Virginia Constitution kicks off in Norfolk
Portsmouth school board member Quniana Futrell appeared somber behind the podium in Norfolk’s Slover event space as she spoke in support of a proposal to amend Virginia’s constitution to automatically restore voting rights for people who complete felony sentences. She recalled her experience growing up with both of her parents incarcerated and said her mother […]
- Virginia Removes 6,531 Non-Citizen Voter Registrations Following Settlement Agreement
Virginia has cancelled 6,531 declared non-citizen voter registrations as reported through Judicial Watch findings. The state continues its review of voter eligibility based on self-declared status. This step forms part of routine maintenance of official voting records. Settlement Agreement Overview Virginia reached a settlement with certain groups that pauses the removal program for declared nonci
- Virginia primary voters pick Mizusawa to face Warner, finalize key US House races
Virginians cast their ballots Tuesday in an unusually-timed primary that settled a statewide Republican contest for the U.S. Senate and determined several of Virginia’s most closely watched congressional matchups for the November election. Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Bert Mizusawa won the GOP’s nomination to challenge longtime Democratic U.S. Senator Mark Warner, while incumbents and […]
- Virginia voters could gain a bigger voice in choosing the 2028 presidential nominees
Virginia is on track to become the sixth and final early-voting state in the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating calendar under a proposal unveiled last week, a move that could bring presidential candidates, campaign spending and national attention to the commonwealth in the weeks before Super Tuesday. The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee recommended […]
- Preserve Coordinator to Leave Programs Following Trail Access Changes
A coordinator who has led hiking and nature programs at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve for three and a half years will end her tenure next month. She has conducted nearly 100 programs since early 2023 that reached thousands of visitors through activities including themed walks and seasonal events. The preserve served as a central location […]
- Virginia legislator Louise Lucas was allowed to use campaign funds for her defense. So she did.
State Sen. Louise Lucas, the powerful Portsmouth Democrat, used $300,000 in campaign funds to contribute to her legal defense fund and hire a law firm following an FBI raid in May on her businesses in Portsmouth. That’s a sizable amount. What The Virginian-Pilot article should have noted higher in the story was that Lucas was […]
- Spanberger restores voting rights to more than 60,000 Felons
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has restored voting and other civil rights to more than 60,000 Felons since taking office in January, reversing the more restrictive restoration process adopted by her predecessor and reopening voting access for thousands of people with past felony convictions, her administration said Friday. The 66,085 Virginians whose rights have been restored may […]
- Even without a new map, Buttigieg says Va. Dems can win with focus on healthcare, affordability
Virginia Democrats lost the congressional map they hoped would help them win as many as four Republican-held seats in this year’s midterm elections. Pete Buttigieg says they may not need it. The former U.S. transportation secretary and 2020 presidential candidate said Democrats can still make significant gains under Virginia’s existing map if they field competent […]
- Virginia Senator Louise Lucas Reports Campaign Expenditures for Legal Costs Ahead of New Restrictions
State Senator Louise Lucas of Portsmouth authorized two payments from her campaign account on June 30 that totaled $300,000 and were directed toward legal defense expenses. These disbursements occurred one day before new state legislation restricting the personal use of campaign funds became operative. Campaign finance filings show one payment of $200,000 went to the […]
- Federal judge in Virginia says certain abortion drug restrictions are unlawful
A lawsuit filed in 2023 by abortion providers in Kansas, Montana and Virginia challenges the FDA’s restrictions on mifepristone as excessive, unwarranted and inconsistent with other legal requirements. A federal judge ruled Thursday that the federal agency didn’t sufficiently justify the Biden-era rules. (Photo by Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent) A federal judge in Virginia ruled Thursday […]
- UVA study shows how housing affordability policy, civic engagement and voter turnout connect
A University of Virginia professor’s research aims to illuminate how federal policy that supports affordable homeownership intersects with civic engagement via the ballot box, as housing affordability and access remain top concerns for voters in Virginia and across America. A new study titled “Mortgage Refinancing and Political Participation” explored how remedies in the aftermath of […]
- Virginia Enacts New Law Prohibiting Bribery to Influence Voter Registration
Virginia lawmakers have passed and enacted House Bill 113, a measure designed to strengthen protections against corruption in the state’s voter registration system. The bill, introduced in the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia House of Delegates, amends the Code of Virginia to address new offenses related to bribing individuals to register to vote. Delegate […]
- Virginia Localities Absorb $6.6 Million Share of Voided Election Costs by Democrats
The Virginia Department of Elections reported that the April 21 special election on a proposed constitutional amendment for redistricting cost $11,636,147 before the state Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional. The state will cover nearly $5 million of that total while localities pay the balance of about $6.6 million. Many local governments had budgeted for a […]
- Virginia General Assembly Passes Bill to Ban Bribes for Voter Registration
The Virginia General Assembly has recently approved and enacted a new law designed to protect the voter registration process from corruption. House Bill 113, which has been signed into law, amends the Code of Virginia to prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of any money or thing of value to influence a person’s decision to register […]
- Virginia Bill Restricts Sources for Voter Registration Cancellations and Reinforces Military Voter Protections
The Virginia General Assembly has taken action on legislation that addresses the cancellation of voter registrations in the Commonwealth. Designated as House Bill 111, or HB111, during the 2026 Regular Session, this measure was introduced to regulate the sources of information that general registrars can utilize when deciding to remove a voter from the registration […]
- Four Virginia counties will pump almost 20 million gallons of water a day to Amazon.
How you look at something – the frame you use and your perspective – often influences what you see. This holds true with the issue of data centers and water use. Amazon recently reported that it withdrew a total of 2.5 billion gallons of water for data center cooling operations in 2025. That seems like […]
- Rep. Suhas Subramanyam Votes Against KIDS Act Despite Having Children of His Own
As a parent in Loudoun County, Virginia, few issues hit closer to home than the safety of our children online. In an era where smartphones are ubiquitous and social media platforms dominate young lives, protecting minors from harmful sexual content, predatory interactions, and addictive algorithms should be a non-negotiable priority. Yet, on June 29, 2026, […]
- Virginia Legislation Refines Voter Registration Cancellation Procedures
The Virginia House of Delegates has advanced legislation aimed at refining the procedures for cancelling voter registrations in the state. House Bill 111 amends and reenacts Section 24.2-427 of the Code of Virginia, focusing on the sources of data used for such cancellations and reinstating protections for specific voter groups. The bill requires that general […]
- Virginia Senate Race Features Republican David Williams Challenging Incumbent Mark Warner
David Williams, a Republican, is seeking the party’s nomination for U.S. Senate in Virginia ahead of the 2026 elections. His campaign focuses on opposing the reelection of incumbent Senator Mark Warner. Williams has been active in connecting with voters through various events and online platforms. The Republican primary is scheduled for August 4, 2026, with […]
- John McGuire faces primary test as Democrats eye more competitive 5th District race
U.S. Rep. John McGuire may have breathed a sigh of relief after courts last month invalidated Virginia’s voter-approved redistricting amendment, which would have made the state’s 5th congressional District more favorable to Democrats. But the Goochland Republican still enters his first reelection campaign facing turbulence, including accusations that he has done little for constituents and […]
- Virginia’s abortion amendment faces legal challenges over procedural step, language
A legal challenge to Virginia’s pending reproductive rights amendment is headed toward a hearing later this month, with potential implications for two other pending constitutional amendments. At the center of Bansley v. Nardo is an argument that the clerk of the House of Delegates, Paul Nardo, failed to send copies of the amendment to circuit […]
- Rejected Virginia student voter registrations, Judge approves settlement
A federal judge has approved a consent decree requiring Virginia election officials to accept certain voter registration applications submitted by college students, resolving a lawsuit that alleged students were being improperly denied registration over missing dormitory-related details. The agreement, approved last week by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, bars electi
- Glenn Youngkin Discusses Party Shifts at Global Conference
Former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin participated in a panel at the Milken Institute Global Conference held in Los Angeles. During the discussion he addressed the current state of the Democratic Party. Youngkin shared observations on policy decisions that he believes are influencing state-level governance. The session covered topics related to U.S. politics ahead of the […]
- Prince William County Redirects Development Focus to Innovation Districts Near George Mason University
Historically, the Manassas Mall served as the community’s commercial core. Recent discourse acknowledges shifts in land-use patterns and zoning that have opened new growth avenues, particularly developments near George Mason since 2018 and 2019. These changes include recognition of downtown Manassas’ potential alongside university-linked innovation zones. Key projects include the Nexus234 Innovati