Virginia Bishops Issue Pre-Election Letter
Today, Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout issued the following pre-election letter to the faithful of their dioceses.
This Election Season is Different
August 2026
In Virginia, every year is an election year. However, the contents on the ballot this fall are anything but ordinary. In the upcoming election (Sept. 18 – Nov. 3), the decisions we make will shape the future of our Commonwealth in unprecedented ways. In addition to a U.S. Senate race and local Congressional races, Virginia voters will decide three proposed constitutional amendments with far-reaching consequences.
Two of the proposed changes to Virginia’s constitution – Ballot Question 1 (abortion) and Ballot Question 2 (marriage) – concern fundamental matters of right and wrong.
Ballot Question 1 would cement a so-called “fundamental right” to abortion into our state constitution – all the way up to birth and for “every individual,” even children. It would endanger women’s health and safety and even push parents out of life-changing and irreversible decisions for their minor daughters. It would shield “any individual” who assists in an abortion from legal consequences. When debating the language of the proposed constitutional amendment, legislators even rejected a proposal to require that any baby born alive after an attempted abortion would receive the same level of care and treatment as any other infant. Ballot Question 1 is extreme, dangerous, radical and horrific.
Ballot Question 2 would remove the definition of marriage as the “union between one man and one woman” from our constitution, and would replace it with “any lawful marriage between two adult persons.” We affirm the dignity of every person. We also proclaim the truth that marriage – created by God – is and will always be the union of a man and a woman. God’s design for marriage – woven into the fabric of our being – was established before any nation, religion or law. We are called to honor and preserve it. The marital union – between a man and a woman who give themselves completely to each other – is a unique and irreplaceable bond that is the basis of the family and society.
God is the author of life and marriage. We must protect and preserve these extraordinary gifts from our Creator. As Catholics, we have a sacred duty to form our consciences prayerfully and correctly, and to vote NO on Ballot Question 1 and Ballot Question 2.
Ballot Question 3 would restore voting rights to individuals who have completed their time of incarceration. This issue is a matter of prudential judgment upon which people of goodwill can disagree. Through the work of the Virginia Catholic Conference, we have consistently supported this measure and continue to do so. In your own assessment of this proposal, we invite you to consider the Church’s teaching on participation in the common good, rehabilitation, restoration, mercy and second chances – as well as times when you have witnessed God’s redemptive work in your own life and the lives around you.
More information on the three ballot measures can be found on the websites of the Virginia Catholic Conference and our two dioceses. Early voting begins September 18. Election Day is November 3.
As the Catechism reminds us, “It is necessary that all participate … in promoting the common good. … As far as possible, citizens should take an active part in public life” (nos. 1913-1915). Through conscience formation, prayer and fasting, may we as Virginia voters all prepare to cast votes that will honor the gift of life and Jesus who is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington
Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of Richmond
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