Tag

Constitutional Amendment

All articles tagged with #constitutional amendment

Virginia Democrats appeal ruling blocking mid-decade redistricting plan
politics28 days ago

Virginia Democrats appeal ruling blocking mid-decade redistricting plan

Democrats in Virginia quickly appealed a state court injunction blocking their plan to amend the state constitution to redraw the congressional map, a move that could have delivered up to four additional Democratic seats. Judge Jack S. Hurley Jr. ruled the special session used to advance the amendment exceeded its scope and that the constitution requires an intervening election after first passage, noting the bill was voted on after early voting began for 2025 races. Democrats call the ruling a product of court-shopping and say they will seek to place the amendment before voters in April if the appeal succeeds; the state Court of Appeals will hear the case. The injunction effectively nullifies the General Assembly’s Oct. 31, 2025 vote to amend the constitution.

Virginia court lets redistricting plan proceed as GOP challenge fails
politics1 month ago

Virginia court lets redistricting plan proceed as GOP challenge fails

A Virginia judge rejected Republicans’ emergency bid to block a proposed constitutional amendment that would let lawmakers redraw the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 elections, ruling courts can’t interfere with an unfinished legislative process. The decision keeps the Democratic redistricting plan on track, which could yield a 10–1 delegation and still requires voter ratification. Republicans had sought to halt the process or sidestep legislative immunity by targeting clerks, but that approach was rejected. The ruling underscores separation of powers as the General Assembly prepares to act on the amendment, a move that holds significance in the national fight over fair representation.

Virginia Moves Forward with Redistricting Amid National GOP Push
politics3 months ago

Virginia Moves Forward with Redistricting Amid National GOP Push

Virginia Senate has approved a constitutional amendment allowing the state to redraw congressional districts mid-decade if another state does so first, aiming to help Democrats in upcoming elections. The amendment, which still needs to pass the House again and be approved by voters, is part of a broader political strategy to influence the 2026 midterms amid legal challenges from Republicans.

Virginia and Ohio Move Forward with Redistricting Amid National Debate
politics3 months ago

Virginia and Ohio Move Forward with Redistricting Amid National Debate

Virginia Democrats are taking steps to redraw the state's congressional map before the 2026 elections by passing a constitutional amendment that would allow the legislature to draw new maps outside the usual decennial cycle, contingent on voter approval and passing through multiple legislative sessions, amidst political debates over process and fairness.

Joe Manchin Advocates for Supreme Court Term Limits Reform
politics1 year ago

Joe Manchin Advocates for Supreme Court Term Limits Reform

Senators Joe Manchin and Peter Welch have proposed a constitutional amendment to impose 18-year term limits on Supreme Court justices, aiming to address the declining public trust in the judiciary. This proposal, which aligns with President Biden's views, would not affect current justices but would create regular vacancies every two years. Despite the initiative, the amendment faces significant hurdles, including Manchin's impending retirement and the challenging ratification process requiring broad legislative and state support. The proposal reflects growing concerns over the Supreme Court's role and partisanship.

Missouri GOP Challenges Voter-Approved Abortion Rights Amendment
politics1 year ago

Missouri GOP Challenges Voter-Approved Abortion Rights Amendment

Following Missouri voters' approval of a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights, Republican lawmakers are attempting to undermine it by proposing measures that define life as beginning at conception and linking abortion rights with bans on gender transition procedures for minors. These efforts include raising the threshold for amending the state constitution, which could make future progressive measures harder to pass. Despite the amendment's passage, legal battles and legislative maneuvers continue to challenge abortion rights in the state.

Missouri AG Affirms Post-Viability Abortion Ban Despite New Amendment
politics1 year ago

Missouri AG Affirms Post-Viability Abortion Ban Despite New Amendment

Missouri's Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey has stated that despite a new constitutional amendment expected to undo the state's near-total abortion ban, his office will continue to enforce restrictions on abortions after fetal viability. The amendment, approved by voters, enshrines abortion rights in the state constitution but allows for restrictions post-viability, with exceptions for the health of the pregnant person. This decision follows a broader trend of abortion rights victories in several states, though some, like Missouri, maintain certain restrictions.

California Voters Uphold Forced Prison Labor by Rejecting Ban
politics1 year ago

California Voters Uphold Forced Prison Labor by Rejecting Ban

California voters have rejected a constitutional amendment that would have banned forced labor in all forms, maintaining the current exception for punishment of crime. This measure was part of a broader reparations effort addressing historical racism and discrimination against Black Californians. The decision contrasts with recent moves by states like Alabama and Oregon, which have removed similar exceptions from their constitutions.

California Voters Reject Ban on Forced Prison Labor
politics1 year ago

California Voters Reject Ban on Forced Prison Labor

California voters have rejected a constitutional amendment that would have banned forced labor in any form, maintaining the current exception for punishment of crime. This measure was part of a broader reparations effort addressing historical racism and discrimination against Black Californians. The decision contrasts with recent moves by other states like Alabama and Oregon, which have removed similar exceptions from their constitutions.