Make Virginia a Stronghold for Democracy

I’m writing to you not out of panic, but with purpose. You already know the threats we face: rising authoritarianism, disinformation, and efforts to roll back hard-won rights. Virginia is at a crossroads, and your leadership has never mattered more. This isn’t about partisanship. It’s about protecting the democratic foundations that allow any party, any voice, any community to have a say. The good news? We don’t have to reinvent the wheel. States across the country are taking bold, smart steps to safeguard democracy and Virginia can, too. I’m asking you to act and to lead on policies that are proven to work. Protect Elections and the Right to Vote 
What other states have done: Michigan enshrined voting rights in its constitution through Proposal 2 (2022). Colorado runs nonpartisan elections with mail-in ballots and same-day registration. 
What Virginia can do: • Codify early voting, drop boxes, and no-excuse absentee voting into the Virginia Constitution. • Require nonpartisan election administration and protect local electoral boards from political interference. • Restore voting rights automatically to all Virginians who have completed their sentences. Defend Public Education and Information 
What other states have done: Illinois passed the Right to Read Act. New Jersey passed protections for academic freedom in public universities. 
What Virginia can do: • Ban book bans and create legal standards that protect libraries and educators. • Shield public university faculty from politically motivated firing or intimidation. Build Oversight and Guardrails 
What other states have done: New Mexico created a Citizens Redistricting Committee. Vermont strengthens local democracy through participatory governance. 
What Virginia can do: • Give an independent redistricting commission binding authority. • Expand public hearing requirements for laws impacting voting, civil rights, and education. Guard Against Authoritarian Policing 
What other states have done: California limited ICE cooperation and required transparency. Colorado passed a statewide police accountability law. 
What Virginia can do: • Bar 287(g) and other voluntary ICE agreements. • Require public reporting of surveillance tech and federal partnerships by law enforcement. You have the power to make Virginia a model of democratic resilience. Not just by saying “no” to extremism, but by saying “yes” to smart, inclusive governance that centers people, not unchecked power. I’m counting on you to act and to bring others with you. We’ve seen what works. Now let’s make it happen here.