Looking ahead to the rest of 2025

2025 has already been a watershed year for nonpartisan democracy reform in Virginia, with progress on multiple fronts—including our flagship issue of ranked choice voting (RCV).

Virginia is the only state in America so far this year to have a legislative chamber approve a pro-RCV bill - and we did it not just once, but twice! Senate Bill 1009 has now passed both houses of the legislature and awaits Governor Youngkin's signature. This legislation makes strategic adjustments to the existing pilot program established in 2020, which allows localities to adopt RCV for city council and board of supervisor elections. The bill establishes critical best practices for election administration, streamlining implementation for jurisdictions ready to embrace this growing reform.

We're optimistic that Governor Youngkin will heed the recommendations from ELECT in supporting these technical improvements to Virginia's RCV pilot program. These changes would enhance efficiency and effectiveness for localities looking to implement voter-friendly reforms.

But Virginia's democracy reform momentum extends beyond RCV. The General Assembly also passed the first reading of a constitutional amendment that would automatically restore voting rights to returning citizens who have completed their sentences. This represents a crucial step toward ending Virginia's status as the only state that permanently disenfranchises citizens with felony convictions without a pathway to restoration aside from gubernatorial intervention.

Additionally, the legislature has finally addressed Virginia's campaign finance system by passing a bill to prohibit the personal use of campaign funds by candidates—a standard practice already established in 48 other states and federal elections. This long-overdue reform will help restore voter confidence in the integrity of our electoral system.

These victories provide UpVote Virginia with powerful momentum as we work to make our democracy more equitable for all voters. They serve as a springboard for our initiatives throughout 2025 and beyond.

Ranked Choice Voting remains the fastest-growing nonpartisan electoral reform in America, and in Virginia localities, the movement continues to gain traction. Arlington and Charlottesville have already taken advantage of Virginia’s bipartisan legislation to adopt RCV in local races, and others are engaging in substantive discussions about following their lead – including Albemarle County and the cities of Fredericksburg, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Newport News.

Finally, as we move into the second half of the decade, we're also preparing for crucial conversations about redistricting. UpVote Virginia will build on our engagement from the previous cycle to ensure Virginia's electoral maps remain among the fairest in the country, according to leading nonpartisan experts. We'll also work to codify clearer guidelines for the bipartisan redistricting commission to follow after the next Census, further strengthening Virginia's democratic institutions.

There's significant work ahead, but we're energized by the momentum this movement has built. We invite you to join us in this effort to create a more responsive, representative democracy in Virginia. 

Whether through supporting local RCV initiatives, advocating for voting rights restoration, or fighting for transparency, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can build a Virginia where every vote truly counts and every voice is heard.