Supporters of an amendment to enshrine abortion and contraception rights in the Virginia constitution fanned out across Arlington last weekend.
Canvassing efforts on Saturday concerned the first of three state constitutional amendments that voters will consider on Nov. 3.
“Supporters are spreading the word about the proposed amendment on Virginia’s ballot this year that would protect the right to reproductive freedom, including birth control, fertility, childbirth, miscarriage management and abortion,” organizers said of the event.
Amendment backers were joined by Dr. Laura Meyers, CEO of Planned Parenthood Advocates for the local region, as well as Mini Timmaraju, president and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All.
The preceding weekend, Arlington volunteers were joined by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at another rainy canvass launch. To date, supporters have knocked on more than 10,000 doors statewide.
Amendment 1 is among three proposed revisions to Virginia’s constitution on the ballot. The other two relate to marriage equality and the restoration of voting rights for felons.
The Arlington County Democratic Committee is supporting all three amendments, with the Arlington County Republican Committee opposing all three.
GOP voices opposition to county bond referendums: The Arlington GOP is also urging voters to oppose the five county bond referendums on the Nov. 3 ballot.
“Arlington Republicans believe in investing in long-term projects that improve our community — in schools, and transportation and robust county services,” party leaders said in an email to supporters, adding:
“But that isn’t what Arlington County leaders do. Every single year, your property taxes go up while county leaders add new pet projects and flaunt accountability — they package necessary spending with excess and largesse.”
“When the County Board prioritizes left-wing pet projects over necessary expenditures, it’s time to take a stand. The only responsible vote on ANY bond issue this cycle is a ‘no’ vote.”
On the ballot are bonds for transportation ($69.7 million), parks and recreation ($34.9 million), community infrastructure ($58.8 million), utilities ($20.7 million) and schools ($80 million).
The Arlington government typically seeks voter approval of bond referendums in even-numbered years. Arlington Democrats have endorsed “yes” positions on all five bonds on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The Arlington GOP usually, but not always, either opposes or stays neutral on bond referendums. In 2024, Republicans opposed a five-bond package that had been sent to voters, while Democrats endorsed all five.
The GOP appears to be swimming against the local political tide, as Arlington voters have not rejected a local bond referendum in more than 40 years. In 2024, the five referendums received between 72% and 87% of the vote.
Young Democrats plan drag bingo: Arlington Young Democrats is hosting drag bingo on Saturday, Oct. 10, supporting party efforts heading into the Nov. 3 election.
It is among the components of the Arlington County Democratic Committee’s “Gold Card” series of pre-election fundraising events.
“The Chili Cook-Off brings out the whole family. The Golden Gala gives us a chance to dress up. And the Arlington Young Democrats Gold Card Event is where we get to have a little fun,” organizers said.
The event will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Solace Outpost Ballston, featuring award-winning drag performer Mia Vanderbilt.
“This is more than just bingo,” Arlington Young Democrats said. “Mia is bringing the performances, the crowd work, the prizes, the laughs and the kind of energy that turns bingo into something you will actually talk about afterward.”
Single-event tickets are available for $30.
