If conservatives do not turn out in strong numbers today, Democrats can flip control of the House and put the Senate in play for the final two years of President Trump’s term. At the same time, Virginia voters will decide whether three major policy changes become permanent parts of the state constitution.
Congress
Republicans currently hold 218 seats in the House to Democrats’ 214 (plus one Independent who caucuses with Republicans and two vacancies).
Democrats need a net gain of only three to four seats to reach the 218 required for a majority, the Speaker’s gavel, and full control of committees and the floor calendar.
In the Senate, Republicans hold 53–47. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to reach 51 and take control. A 50-50 Senate would leave Republicans in the majority through Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote.
Every House seat and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot today. These races will determine which party sets the agenda through 2028.
Virginia races
In Virginia’s U.S. Senate race, voters have a chance to elect a conservative challenger to unseat Sen. Mark Warner, who has held the seat for decades.
Several House districts are also competitive (especially the 2nd, and potentially the 1st and 5th) and can affect the national House majority.
The three constitutional amendments
Three questions appear on every Virginia ballot. A “yes” vote writes the changes into the state constitution, where they become extremely difficult for future legislatures to reverse:
Abortion: Question 1 would create a constitutional right to abortion for “every individual,” with no age limit written into the language. Opponents, including State Sen. Mark Peake and the Family Foundation, warn that this would eliminate Virginia’s existing parental consent and notification requirements. Under this amendment, a minor could obtain an abortion without parents being notified or able to give consent.
Marriage: Question 2 would remove the constitutional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman and require equal treatment regardless of sex or gender. Critics note that inserting the word “gender” (separate from sex) into the Virginia Constitution for the first time creates a foothold for broader claims over bathrooms, locker rooms, and boys competing in girls’ sports.
Felon political rights: Question 3 would automatically restore voting rights—and related political rights—to people with felony convictions the moment they leave prison. No governor approval is required, and there is no requirement to complete probation, parole, or pay restitution. The Virginia Department of Elections has confirmed that these restored rights include the right to be elected to office. That means a person recently released from prison for a felony could immediately run for school board or other local office.
Go vote. Text your friends and family to vote. Give them a ride to the polls. Even better, call the candidate and tell them you need a ride to the polls.
Join us live tonight on the @virginiainsider YouTube channel for live election coverage.
Find your polling place
Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Use the official Virginia Department of Elections lookup: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/polling-place-lookup/ or https://vote.virginia.gov. Enter your full address to confirm your Election Day location and ballot. Bring a valid photo ID that matches your registration.
Your vote today is what stands between the current majorities and the outcomes above.
