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Greetings from the Omega Rho Omega 
Advocate for Social Justice Committee!

2026 is an important year for elections in our local community

and within the state of Virginia. ​

To ensure every Virginian is informed and ready to advocate for themselves,

ORO has created the Social Justice Update.

This page will be updated monthly with relevant voter and social justice information.

The information presented is non-partisan and inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®

Critical Dates for VA Voters

Apr 14, 2026 – Charles City County Local Referendum
This is a local election for residents of Charles City to vote on the following question:

“Shall the County of Charles City change its form of government to the County Board form?”

  • Register to Vote by: April 3, 2026

  • Early Voting: February 27 – April 11, 2026

  •  Absentee Request Deadline: April 3, 2026

 

Apr 21, 2026 – Proposed Constitutional Amendment (Statewide)
This is a statewide election for Virginia residents to vote on the following question:

“Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia's standard redistricting process
resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?”

  • Register to Vote by: April 10, 2026

  • Early Voting: March 6 – April 18, 2026

 

August 4, 2026 – Primary Election
The Democratic and Republican parties will hold primary elections of party candidates for the general election in November. The general election will determine new Virginia’s representatives to the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, as well as local offices.

  • Register to Vote by: July 24, 2026

  • Early Voting: June 19 – August 1, 2026

  • Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: July 24, 2026

 

November 3, 2026 – General Election
This election decides Virginia’s representatives to the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, along with local offices.

  • Register to Vote by: October 23, 2026

  • Early Voting: September 18 – October 31, 2026

  • Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: October 23, 2026

​

Government Meetings – April

We can invest in our communities by getting involved with our local governments.

ORO encourages the residents of Eastern Henrico, Charles City, and New Kent to engage locally by attending these monthly meetings. 


Henrico County, VA
Board of Supervisors Meetings

 

Fairfield Forum with Fairfield District Supervisor Roscoe D. Cooper III

SPECIAL GUEST: Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan 

  • Thursday, April 9, 2026, 6:00 p.m. at Wilder Middle School. To attend online stream here.

 

Charles City County, VA
Budget Meetings

  • Budget Community Q&A: Thursday, April 9, 2026 

  • Budget Public Hearing: Thursday, April 16, 2026
    • ​​Location: Government Administration Building, Auditorium, 10900 Courthouse Road, Charles City, VA 23030

 

Charles City’s Board typically meets on the fourth Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Government Administration Building. This month’s meeting will fall on April 28, 2026.​   

 

Residents can stream meetings here.
 

New Kent County, VA
Board of Supervisors

  • Monday, April 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m.

    •  Location: Boardroom of the County Administration Building, 12007 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124

 

Residents can stream meetings here.

2026 Gubernatorial Executive Orders

Upon taking office in January, Governor Abigail Spanberger passed several Executive Orders impacting public schools, community safety, housing, state government operations, law enforcement, and our statewide economy.

 

See a brief description the Executive Orders here.

​

Read the full texts of each Executive Order here.

VA General Assembly Check-In
Presented by Marilyn Freeman

The 2026 Session of the Virginia General Assembly adjourned...but what happens next?

Adjournment isn’t the end—it’s a transition. After adjournment, the governor gets a defined window to sign, amend, or veto bills passed during the session. For the 2026 session, for example, Gov. Abigail Spanberger has until April 13 to take action on legislation.

 

Then, the General Assembly Returns for the “Reconvened Session.”

Also known as the veto session, this is when lawmakers come back to Richmond to:

  • Consider the governor’s amendments

  • Vote to accept or reject vetoes

  • Finalize any remaining legislative business

In 2026, the reconvened session is scheduled for April 22. If the budget is not resolved at adjournment, it is resolved during this time.

 

If the session advanced constitutional amendments or referendum measures, the period after adjournment is when:

  • The governor certifies the measures

  • Election officials prepare ballot language

  • Advocacy groups begin public campaigns

 

Even outside of formal session, legislators:

  • Hold committee meetings

  • Conduct policy studies

  • Draft bills for the next session

  • Meet with constituents and stakeholders

 

In short, the “off‑session” work begins after adjournment. The activities executed during this time shape the next year’s legislative agenda. Live streams and recordings of all committee meetings and floor sessions are available here.

 

Fun Fact: Soror Marcia “Cia” Price is the first Black woman to serve as Chair of the House Privileges and Elections Committee, the longest continuously operating legislative committee in the nation.

Social Justice is a serious matter!
Remember to stay informed, get engaged, and advocate within your community.

Visit elections.virginia.gov for all official election information.

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