At least eight referendum committees have been formed in the lead-up to this fall's vote on three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution.
Virginians will weigh in on three ballot measures that would (respectively) enshrine the right to abortion and other reproductive care, replace an existing-yet-defunct ban on same-sex marriage with language guaranteeing all couples the right to marry, and automatically restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated people who have completed their prison sentences.
Virginia law requires organizations or individuals that spend more than $10,000 advocating in a statewide referendum to register with the Department of Elections (ELECT).
While referendum committees technically register under one specific amendment, it appears that some committees may be campaigning on more than one issue in 2026.
That is not necessarily illegal. Referendum committees only need to register or amend campaign finance forms if they spend more than $10,000. And advocacy-related advertisements about ballot referendums are "exempt from Political Advertisement disclaimer requirements," according to state guidance.
James Alcorn, director of the election law program at William & Mary Law School, said that election officials' approach is usually to notify committees of potential issues in their paperwork and provide for an opportunity to comply with the law — and avoid a civil penalty — by amending their statement of organization within 10 days.
The Virginia Catholic Conference, for instance, has campaign materials on its website for all three amendments, encouraging Virginians to vote "yes" for the marriage and reproductive amendments, but "no" for the voter restoration amendment.
"Virginians Against 3," registered by the Family Foundation, lists "Opposing the marriage amendment" as its scope in its campaign fillings, though Ballot Question 3 is the post-incarceration voting rights amendment — "3" in the name could refer to all three amendments.
"The name of the committee is simply an identifier. It's not a disclosure field or a licensing field," Alcorn told VPM News. "For example, somebody could create a committee in support of the Flat Earth Society, but decide to spend money for that committee against one of the specific referendums that are on the ballot this fall."
Early voting in the general election begins Sept. 18 (Virginians' last day to cast ballots in primary elections is Aug. 4). Below are the referendum committees that have registered so far.
Abortion and reproductive rights
Vote Yes
Virginians for Reproductive Freedom's funding mostly comes from Planned Parenthood organizations and the American Civil Liberties Union.
Vote No
- Virginia Catholic Conference, LLC
- Virginia Medical Professionals for Women's Safety
- Virginians for Safe Reproductive Policy
- VSHL 2026 Referendum Committee
While there are four committees registered, the two with the most funding are Virginia Medical Professionals for Women's Safety and Virginians for Safe Reproductive Policy, indicating organizations will make a health and safety-based argument in the campaign.
Virginia Medical Professionals for Women's Safety's contributions come from the 501(c)(4) group for the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians And Gynecologists.
Virginians for Safe Reproductive Policy's funding comes from two other referendum committees: the Virginia Catholic Conference and the Virginia Society for Human Life. The VSHL is the state affiliate of the National Right to Life Committee, which was founded by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Marriage equality
Vote Yes
Virginians for Marriage Equality's largest support comes from in-kind contributions made by the ACLU of Virginia. In-kind contributions are the value of services or goods provided to a campaign rather than funds.
Vote No
Virginians Against 3 is affiliated with The Family Foundation, one of the most active Christian groups in Virginia politics.
Voting rights restoration
Vote Yes
Virginians for the Right to Vote was completely funded by the progressive group New Virginia Majority — though not officially affiliated with the group — as of the referendum committee's last campaign filing. There does not appear to be an official committee for a "no" campaign on the voting amendment.
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