VirginiaSB62026 Regular SessionSenate

Constitutional amendment; qualifications of voters, right to vote, persons not entitled to vote.

Sponsored By: Mamie E. Locke (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Constitutional amendment (voter referendum); qualifications of voters; right to vote; persons not entitled to vote. Provides for a referendum at the November 3, 2026, general election to approve or reject an amendment that would provide for the fundamental right to vote in the Commonwealth, revise the qualifications of voters so that a person convicted of a felony is not entitled to vote during his period of incarceration but is automatically invested with the right to vote upon release from incarceration, and update the existing prohibition on voting by persons found to be mentally incompetent to instead apply to persons who have been found to lack the capacity to understand the act of voting. This bill is identical to HB 963.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New voting rights and limits

Beginning January 1, 2027, Virginia’s Constitution declares voting a fundamental right for eligible voters. You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18, meet residence rules, and be registered. If you are incarcerated for a felony, you cannot vote; your rights return automatically when you are released. If a court finds you lack the capacity to understand voting, you cannot vote until capacity is restored as set by law. To qualify, you must have both a domicile and a place of abode in Virginia and in your voting precinct.

Easier voting for movers, overseas workers, and youth

Beginning January 1, 2027, Virginia allows more ways to vote for certain groups. If you will be 18 by the next general election, you can register early and vote in primaries or special elections before then. The General Assembly can also let Virginians employed overseas, and their spouses and dependents living with them, vote in Virginia under rules and time limits set by law. It can let recent movers keep voting in their old precinct for a limited time. It can set alternatives to registration for new residents in presidential elections.

When these voting changes start

The amendment takes effect January 1, 2027, following voter approval. That is when the new voting rights and options begin to apply.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mamie E. Locke

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 212 • No: 99

House vote 2/2/2026

Passed House

Yes: 65 • No: 34

House vote 2/2/2026

Passed House

Yes: 64 • No: 34

House vote 1/30/2026

Reported from Privileges and Elections

Yes: 15 • No: 7

Senate vote 1/26/2026

Read third time and passed Senate

Yes: 21 • No: 17

Senate vote 1/23/2026

Engrossed by Senate (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/22/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/22/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/20/2026

Reported from Privileges and Elections

Yes: 8 • No: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB6)

    2/11/2026Senate
  2. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0005)

    2/6/2026Governor
  3. Approved by Governor-Chapter 5 (effective July 1, 2026)

    2/6/2026Governor
  4. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB6ER)

    2/4/2026Senate
  5. Enrolled

    2/4/2026Senate
  6. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., February 11, 2026

    2/4/2026Governor
  7. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on February 04, 2026

    2/4/2026Senate
  8. Signed by President

    2/4/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    2/4/2026House
  10. Passed House (65-Y 34-N 0-A)

    2/2/2026House
  11. Reconsideration of passage agreed to by House

    2/2/2026House
  12. Passed House (64-Y 34-N 0-A)

    2/2/2026House
  13. Read third time

    2/2/2026House
  14. Read second time

    1/30/2026House
  15. Reported from Privileges and Elections (15-Y 7-N)

    1/30/2026House
  16. Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections

    1/29/2026House
  17. Read first time

    1/29/2026House
  18. Placed on Calendar

    1/29/2026House
  19. Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 17-N 0-A)

    1/26/2026Senate
  20. Passed Senate

    1/26/2026Senate
  21. Engrossed by Senate (Voice Vote)

    1/23/2026Senate
  22. Read second time

    1/23/2026Senate
  23. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    1/22/2026Senate
  24. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    1/22/2026Senate
  25. Read first time

    1/22/2026Senate

Bill Text

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