This November, Virginia voters will decide the fate of three constitutional amendments proposed by General Assembly Democrats, including two amendments that would create significant changes to current Virginia law. Voters deserve to know what a “yes” or a “no” vote on these amendments would mean – information that they are not currently getting from Virginia Democrats.
One of these amendments, HJ1– the “Reproductive Freedom Amendment” – is a case study of what happens when liberal activists write legislation without truly considering all of the unintended consequences. Democrats have presented the amendment as merely inserting the prior framework of Roe v. Wade into the Virginia Constitution. In reality, it goes much further than what is permitted in almost every other state constitution in the country. Under this amendment, parental consent laws would be unconstitutional. It would take only one lawsuit to end Virginia’s parental notification requirement, which means parents could be kept totally out of the loop regarding major medical decisions such as abortion involving their minor children. And while other states have passed changes to their laws that make abortion legal until fetal viability, the Democrats’ amendment contains no such limit. Voting “yes” to this amendment will make Virginia one of the most liberal states in the nation for abortion.
The other constitutional amendment with immediate impact relates to the automatic restoration of voting rights for convicted felons. Republicans have long agreed that felons deserve second chances, but only after their full sentences have been completed. This particular amendment lets felons begin voting as soon as they are out of prison – no restitution must be paid, no fines must be paid and victims do not get any input on the decision to do so.
Probation requirements do not matter. The only qualification for restoration is that the individual is out of prison.
A number of House Republicans were willing to work with Democrats to find common ground on this issue, but Democrats insisted on their absolutist position. It sends the signal that Democrats put criminals ahead of their victims when they legislate.
On a separate note, the Virginia General Assembly meets this week in colonial Williamsburg for a very special commemorative session. Our meeting coincides with the 250th anniversary of the first meeting of the Virginia General Assembly following our nation’s independence – an awe-inspiring occasion. On Oct. 7, 1776, Virginia’s first General Assembly consisting of an elected House of Delegates and an elected Senate of Virginia met in regular session following our nation’s independence. For around 70 years, state lawmakers convened in Williamsburg and debated the great issues of the time. I am honored and humbled to take part in this year’s ceremony, as well as to carry on our proud tradition as a General Assembly member in the present day!
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
