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VA SJR2
Joint Resolution
Status
4/13/2026
Primary Sponsor
Mamie Locke
Click for details
AI Summary
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Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article II, Section 1 of the Virginia Constitution establishing voting as a "fundamental right" that shall not be abridged by law
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Automatically restores voting rights to felons upon release from incarceration, eliminating the current requirement for restoration by the Governor or other authority
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Restricts felon disenfranchisement only to the period of actual incarceration, rather than requiring affirmative rights restoration
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Revises mental incapacity voting restrictions to require a court adjudication specifically finding the person "lacks the capacity to understand the act of voting" rather than general mental incompetence
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Passed both chambers in 2025 and 2026 sessions as required for constitutional amendments; agreed to by Senate on January 16, 2026 and House of Delegates on February 2, 2026
Legislative Description
Constitutional amendment (second reference); qualifications of voters and the right to vote; persons not entitled to vote.
Last Action
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0978)
4/13/2026