On this episode: Not every law or amendment makes it to the ballot overnight. In Virginia, proposed constitutional amendments must pass through two legislative sessions—with an election in-between—before voters have their say. This year, lawmakers are considering measures on abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and restoring voting rights for individuals with felony convictions, but their fate might depend on what happens in the next election.

Hear us break down Virginia’s amendment process, explore similar systems in states like Pennsylvania and Nevada, and explain how legislative action today shapes the choices voters will see in future elections.

Learn more about how this process works in VA: https://news.ballotpedia.org/2025/01/27/virginias-two-session-rule-for-constitutional-amendment-house-of-delegates-election-could-affect-the-future-of-proposed-amendments-on-abortion-marriage-and-voting/
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*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

VA constitutional amendments: How their 2-session rule works