"Won’t this allow a slim 51% majority to force radical laws on the rest of us?"
No. That is the genius of the 67% rule. Unlike other states where a simple majority can pass a law, our version of the "People’s Branch" requires a two-thirds supermajority. This ensures that only "Common Sense" issues—things most Republicans, Democrats, and Independents already agree on—actually pass. It’s not about mob rule; it’s about consensus.
Actually, it’s the opposite. Currently, special interests only have to lobby a few powerful committee chairs in Richmond to get what they want. By requiring a massive signature drive from every corner of the Commonwealth and a 67% vote, we make it too expensive and too difficult for "dark money" to succeed. It is much harder to trick 67% of Virginians than it is to influence one politician.
"Is this just a way for out-of-state special interests to buy their way onto our ballot?"
"Doesn't this make the General Assembly irrelevant?"
Not at all. The legislature remains the primary law-making body. The People’s Branch is a corrective tool, not a replacement. Think of it like a "Veto Power" for the people. If the legislature is doing its job and reflecting the will of the people, this process will rarely be used. It simply holds them accountable.
"Does a 67% vote mean the law is untouchable?"
No. Every law passed by the people is subject to the same checks and balances as a law passed by the legislature. The Judicial Branch remains the guardian of our rights; if a citizen-led law violates the Constitution, the courts have the full power to strike it down. The 67% majority gives the people a voice, but the Constitution remains the boss.
"Why a Constitutional Amendment instead of just a regular law?"
Firstly, a regular law can be repealed by the legislature the very next day. A Constitutional Amendment ensures that this right belongs to you, and the politicians in Richmond can't take it away without your permission. Secondly,the Virginia Constitution exclusively "vests" all legislative power in the General Assembly A regular law cannot grant citizens the right to create legislation. Therefore, a constitutional amendment is required to redefine this authority and legally establish a path for citizen-led initiatives.
"Why would legislators agree to sign this and restrict their power?"
Legislators would sign this because it protects them from partisan gridlock. Republicans and Democrats can rarely pass legislation because of the partisan voting down party lines, and there's bills no party wants to bring because of the lobbyists and special interest directly influencing their decisions. Importantly, they still retain the 50% + 1 simple majority they need to pass legislation in the General Assembly. This bill also includes the lawmakers to make restricted amendments by a 7/8 (87.5%) majority.
The Numbers
Why 67%? Stability, not swings.
Most states that allow citizen voting only require a 50% + 1 simple majority. In today’s polarized world, that often leads to "pendulum politics," where laws are passed and repealed every few years by narrow margins. The Founding Fathers feared a "tyranny of the mob", which is why the 50% + 1 simply majority is so dangerous.
We are different. We believe in a 2/3 consensus which is a 67% consensus. That overwhelming victory means an idea isn't just "Republican" or "Democratic", but it’s a popular "Virginian" idea. It ensures that only common-sense solutions with massive statewide support become part of our Constitution.
The History
In 1775, Thomas Jefferson was the first founding father to formally propose a legislative referendum for the Virginia State Constitution. He believed that the people must be the "sovereign" and should ratify any change to the document they live under.
Jefferson was away at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia when the Virginia delegates met in Williamsburg. Because he wasn't there to defend the clause, the ruling class of Virginia—who were wary of losing power—quietly removed it. He later complained in his Notes on the State of Virginia that the resulting government was an "elective despotism" because the people had no direct way to check the legislature.
The Roadmap
Stage 1: Getting to the Statehouse
Since Virginia does not have a "Citizen Initiative" yet, we must use the Legislative Referral process to create it.
The Goal: A member of the House of Delegates or the State Senate introduces a Constitutional Amendment to establish the "Consensus 67" process.
The Hurdle: It must pass both the House and the Senate with a simple majority (51 votes in the House, 21 in the Senate).
Stage 2: Passing the Vote Twice
Virginia law requires a "cooling off" period and a public check-in.
The First Vote: After the first vote passes, there must be a general election for the House of Delegates. This allows the public to vote for or against the legislators who supported the bill.
The Second Vote: Once the new General Assembly is seated, the exact same bill must be passed a second time. No changes to the text are allowed.
Stage 3: Checking Yes on the Ballot
If the legislature passes it twice, it officially goes to the voters.
The Ballot: The amendment appears on your November ballot as a simple "Yes/No" question.
The Win: If a majority of Virginia voters say "Yes," the Consensus 67 standard becomes part of the State Constitution.