"Why does the bill require a 2/3 supermajority to pass a law?"

Most states only require a simple majority (50% + 1). This bill sets the bar at 2/3, or approximately 67%, to ensure that any law passed by the people has broad, non-partisan support. It prevents a narrow majority from forcing controversial changes on the rest of the state, ensuring that only "common sense" solutions with overwhelming consensus become law.

Frequently Asked Questions

"What is the 2/3 of congressional districts rule for signatures?"

To get an initiative on the ballot, you must collect signatures from two-thirds, or approximately 67%, of Virginia’s congressional districts. This currently equals 7.33 districts, which rounds to 8 out of 11. This prevents a single high-population area (like Northern Virginia) from putting something on the ballot that the rest of the state doesn't want. It forces proponents to build a statewide coalition.

"Can the Governor veto a law passed by the people?"

No. Under Subsection (d)(1), any measure approved by the voters is exempt from the Governor’s veto power. Once the people have spoken with a 2/3 mandate, the law is enacted directly.

"Can the General Assembly immediately overturn a law we pass?"

No. For the first seven years, the General Assembly is completely barred from repealing the law except in high-bar conditions. They can only amend it if 7/8 (87.5%) of the House and Senate agree, and only if those changes help the law work better. Technical or clarifications require a 2/3 vote. After seven years, they can amend or repeal it, but it still requires a high 2/3 vote.

"What is the "People's Veto" (Referendum)?"

If the General Assembly passes a law the public dislikes, citizens have 90 days to collect signatures to challenge it. The signature requirements for referendums follows the same requirements for initiatives. Per Section (e)(2), the law is suspended the moment the petition is filed and verified with 25% of the required signatures. A 2/3 vote at the next election is what determines if the law is rejected.

"Does this bill include Rank Choice Voting (RCV)?"

No. This bill is strictly limited to the Initiative and Referendum process. It focuses on giving citizens the power to propose and reject laws, not changing how candidates are elected. There are other organizations championing RCV as dual-demand, but this is a strictly clean bill to allow for citizen initiatives and referendums.

"Roughly how many signatures would be needed in each district to put anything on a ballot?"

The requirement is 5% of the total votes cast in the last Governor’s election. Based on recent turnout, this is roughly 160,000 to 180,000 signatures combined. In Virginia, congressional districts are drawn to be roughly equal in population (~760,000 people), but actual voter turnout varies. On average, you would need roughly 21,000 to 23,000 signatures per district to ensure you meet the statewide goal while satisfying the geographic spread. While a significant task, it is considered a "moderate" requirement compared to other states.

"What prevents the legislature from making the signing process impossible or difficult?"

The bill mandates that all administrative rules created by the General Assembly must be "ministerial in nature." This means they can only make rules for how to file and verify signatures; they cannot create "red tape" intended to frustrate or block the people from using their power.

"How does this change the current Constitution of Virginia?"

Currently, Virginia is one of the states where citizens have zero power to propose laws directly. All laws must come from the General Assembly. This bill adds a new section to Article II that reserves this "legislative power" for the people themselves. In Virginia, the General Assembly currently has the exclusive power to make laws.

"What role does the Judicial Branch (Courts) play?"

The courts act as the "referee." While the Governor cannot veto these laws, the Supreme Court of Virginia can still review them to ensure they don't violate the U.S. Constitution or other protected rights. Additionally, the bill allows citizens to sue if the government tries to use "red tape" to block a petition from reaching the ballot and be reimbursed of the legal costs if they win while fighting against lawfare.

"Which issues could actually pass a 2/3 vote in Virginia?"

Based on 2025-2026 polling data, "consensus issues" that reach the 60–90% support level in Virginia often include:
- Cost of Living & Utility Reform: Recent polls show over 90% of Virginians agree on stricter oversight of data centers and energy costs.
- Gun Safety: Studies show roughly 84% support for universal background checks and "Red Flag" laws.
- Reproductive Rights: Polling consistently shows a strong majority (often 60%+) favoring constitutional protections for reproductive freedom.
- Transparency: Overwhelming support exists for "clean government" measures and ending "dark money" in state elections.
NOTE: While some issues seem partisan, the popularity of them would be tested at the polls to ensure a 2/3 consensus if the signatures can be collected for the ballot measure.

"What are some real-world bills passed by citizens in other states?"

Florida (2018): Voters passed an initiative to restore voting rights to 1.4 million people with former felony convictions. It passed with 64.5% of the vote—very close to our bill's 2/3 requirement.
South Dakota (2016): Citizens passed a comprehensive anti-corruption and ethics reform law, though the legislature later controversially repealed much of it (our bill’s 7-year lock would prevent this).

"What are some real-world vetoes passed by citizens in other states?"

Maine (2018): Citizens used the referendum power to reject a law passed by the legislature that would have delayed the implementation of Ranked Choice Voting (which voters had previously approved).
California (2020): Voters used a referendum to overturn a law passed by the legislature that would have ended the cash bail system, choosing instead to keep the existing system.

"What issues are generally not favorable enough to pass the 2/3 threshold?"

Based on 2025-2026 Virginia polling data, the following types of issues would struggle to pass:
- Corporate Tax Cuts: Recent surveys show that while some Virginians support lowering individual rates, a majority (57%) oppose cutting the corporate income tax rate.
- Retail Marijuana Sales (Strict Regulation): While a majority of Virginians (58–60%) support opening a retail market for cannabis, the support is heavily lopsided toward Democrats and Independents.
- Significant Income Tax Hikes on High Earners: Proposals to create new 8% or 10% tax brackets for high earners were introduced during the 2026 General Assembly. While these have base support among some voters, they face fierce opposition from others.

"How many other states allow for Citizen Initiative & Referendum?"

Currently, 26 states (plus D.C.) allow for some form of statewide citizen-initiated ballot measures. It surged from the late 1890s to the 1910s when voters sought to break the power of political machines. South Dakota was the first to adopt the process in 1898, followed quickly by a wave of 19 other states by 1918. A second, smaller wave occurred in the mid-20th century, with Alaska including I&R as a founding principle in its 1956 constitution and Florida adopting its initiative process in 1972. Mississippi was the most recent state to re-establish the process in 1992.

"Was Thomas Jefferson in favor of this kind of power for Virginians?"

Yes; in fact, Thomas Jefferson was the first person to formally propose a legislative referendum for the 1776 Virginia Constitution. While he was in Philadelphia drafting the Declaration of Independence, he sent a draft to Virginia that included a provision requiring any law passed by the legislature to be approved by the people before it became permanent. Though his colleagues ultimately rejected the idea as too radical for the time, Jefferson spent much of his later life—most notably in his 1816 letters to Samuel Kercheval—arguing that the Virginia Constitution should be "revised at stated periods" so that each generation could provide its own consent to the laws, famously stating that "the earth belongs to the living" and not the dead.

"Why would legislators oppose this bill, and why must citizens demand support?"

Legislators resist Initiative and Referendum because it ends their "gatekeeper" status, preventing them from bundling unpopular policies with necessary laws and forcing them to yield power back to the voters. Furthermore, direct democracy bypasses the influence of special interests and large donors who find it far easier to lobby a few committee chairs than millions of Virginians. Citizens must demand these powers because the mere existence of an initiative process forces the legislature to be more productive and honest, knowing the people can act themselves if ignored. It serves as a vital "reset" button that bypasses gerrymandered districts, ensuring the state's direction reflects the actual will of the majority rather than partisan extremes. Ultimately, giving Virginians a seat at the legislative table restores public trust by transforming voters from passive observers into active, powerful stakeholders in the Commonwealth’s future.

"Do Virginians feel the General Assembly has their best interest at heart?"

Recent polling suggests a "Crisis of Confidence." While individual legislators may be liked in their home districts, the General Assembly as a whole is viewed through a lens of high political anxiety. With 74% of the state feeling the country is on the wrong track and 30% identifying "threats to democracy" as the top issue the legislature should be fixing, there is a clear sense that the current system is failing to address the people's core concerns. This is exactly why a Citizen Initiative bill is so powerful—it provides a "safety valve" for when the legislature's interests and the people's interests diverge.

"Why would a Republican or conservative voter support this bill?"

In a state that is widely considered either a blue state or a purple state that leans blue, this bill allows for the popular ideas often unfavored, for one reason or another, by Democrat politicians to be put to at least some kind of a vote. One example would include school choice where funding follows students (support of various programs estimated at 61% to 74%). Admittedly, most citizen-led initiatives would likely favor liberal ideologies. The fact is that it's a losing battle for Republicans and conservatives in Virginia with or without this bill, but this bill opens the door to voters outside of the General Assembly and the Governor to have a say over legislation that may never be either passed or progress past a committee otherwise. Furthermore, the bill is explicitly written to avoid mob rule with a 67% supermajority being required to have any impact on legislation, which is one of the most conservative thresholds than any other state. 67% is the same threshold requiring to amend the U.S. Constitution in both houses. A coalition of like-minded voters and groups would have the ability reject bills if Democrats propose anything that is an obvious power grab during trifecta control or inherently hurts the people of the Commonwealth.

"Why would a Democrat or liberal voter support this bill?"

In a state that is widely considered either a blue state or a purple state that leans blue, it may seem like an unnecessary effort to enact this bill so long as Democrats in power are voting with the people's interest in mind. According to the VCU Wilder School Commonwealth Poll released in February 2026 and the Roanoke College Trust Index: only 35.5% of Virginians report having high levels of "generalized trust" in public institutions and strangers; 62.8% of Virginians expressed low trust or high skepticism regarding the integrity and helpfulness of current institutional power; 41% of voters cited maintaining "democracy and civility" as their primary reason for voting in a recent election, which surpassed even inflation and immigration. Some examples of this are the large amount of new tax bills introduced despite running election campaigns on affordability, the mid-decade redistricting despite the bipartisan redistricting commission law passed just a few years ago, and the overwhelmingly high support (over 90%) for data center and energy cost reform while a bill attempting to address that did not survive committee. Direct democracy principles, such as citizen initiatives, have historically been a primary desire of progressives rooting back to when it first surged in the late 19th century in the US.

"What about the sections of the bill that may be non-negotiable 'flaws' for legislators?"

There are several sections in the bill that will stand out as "red flags" to legislators, but the bill wouldn't be effective if it didn't include the majority of it. In other states with citizen initiatives, the legislatures are frequently attempting to use lawfare, procedural, or administrative tactics, to either delay, strike down, or reject the will of the people. We believe this bill as drafted is largely necessary to ensure the will of the people is protected and shall be given every consideration. If you see critics argue any section of the bill is "too radical or dangerous", then a simple check that anybody can do is ask an AI large language model to analyze the bill's text and explain why that section could be critical for ensuring the will of the people is protected.

"Who are the true winners of this constitutional amendment?"

The winners of this constitutional amendment are undoubtedly Virginia citizens. While some may not agree with the consensus of Virginians on specific policy issues or ideologies, the undeniable truth is that it eliminates the legislative monopoly in Richmond that may or may not totally be in line with Virginians. The shift of power from the institutional gatekeepers in Richmond to broad-based citizen majorities would be a historic change in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Rural and suburban communities win because the geographic requirements of signature collection for 2/3 of congressional districts (currently 8 of 11) ensures they both can enact legislation beyond Northern Virginia and likewise Northern Virginia cannot reign supreme with all of its own signatures. The "Silent Majority" wins because of the moderate, common-sense solutions required to pass the 67% support threshold. Future generations win because it allows for responsive action necessary for their time rather then what was decided years ago. Those seeking transparency and accountability win because everyday citizens can tell legislators that the power rests in the people they represent instead of themselves. The losers include the lobbyists, special interests, and party bosses that can currently convince a committee chair what does or doesn't get heard.

"Who started Consensus 67? Why and when did they start it?"

Consensus 67 is the brain child a fed up, frustrated populist living in Virginia that wants the government to work for the people instead of the politicians and special interests. The brand itself is currently managed by a single individual, but we hope to see a large number of supporters and volunteers that can help carry the movement to the finish line. The first inception came in February 2026 while researching the power people in Virginia have regarding the political process in Virginia. Ultimately, the answer was that Virginia is basically a "Zero Power" state that does not allow for citizens to initiative ballot measures or referendums on anything with the exception of local laws. Honestly, the brunt of the work is done with AI assistance and human creativity.

"Are there any other groups trying to bring direct democracy (I&R) to Virginia?"

While the desire for more "voter power" is growing nationwide, Consensus 67 is currently the only Virginia-based movement focused exclusively on a high-threshold, non-partisan Initiative & Referendum (I&R) model. There are several large, nationwide organizations, such as FairVote, RepresentUs, and the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC), that advocate for systemic changes across all 50 states. However, these groups often bundle I&R with other complex electoral changes, such as Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) or Open Primaries. We see that as a problem because those issues are neither well understood nor highly supported by many, which isn't conducive to a 2/3 consensus of voters. Other Virginia-based advocacy groups that exist generally focus on single issues (i.e. gun rights, environmental protection, labor rights), but they share one common problem: the General Assembly is a "closed gate." We believe that our bill is well principled enough to be attractive to an overwhelming percentage of Virginians while also being a highly defensible bill that legislators will have a hard time publicly denouncing regardless of their political party. We want that gate open as Consensus 67.

"What is a "Localized Measure"?"

Our bill recognizes that people in Southwest Virginia have different needs than people in Northern Virginia and vice versa. A Localized Measure allows specific counties or cities to propose a law that only applies to them. These measures are decided solely by the voters in that area and do not impact the rest of the state.

"How do you prevent "Taxpayer Raiding" by specific region?"

We have built-in fiscal guardrails. A Localized Measure cannot be certified if it would cost the state more than 0.1% of the General Fund unless that locality provides its own dedicated funding source. This prevents one region from passing a local law and sending the bill to the rest of the Commonwealth.

"What is the "Citizens’ Implementation Oversight Board"?"

Too often, politicians ignore the results of a vote. This amendment allows citizens to establish an independent oversight board to monitor state compliance. If the state refuses to follow the law, this board can refer the matter to the courts for enforcement.

"What happens if a local community passes a law that the Richmond establishment says is "harmful" to Virginia?"

Our bill establishes a high bar for state interference. Under Subsection (g), a localized law can only be overturned if the General Assembly finds—by a massive seven-eighths (87.5%) supermajority—that the measure causes "substantial and irreparable harm" to the safety or solvency of the Commonwealth. This ensures that Richmond cannot simply "veto" local decisions based on political disagreement or cultural differences; they must prove a catastrophic statewide crisis exists to intervene.

"Can citizens use this process to force the state to spend money without a plan to pay for it?"

Consensus 67 balances citizen power with fiscal reality. While Subsection (i) confirms the people’s right to appropriate funds and direct state expenditures, we have included two critical guardrails:
- The Recommendation Clause: Any statewide measure costing more than 1% of the general fund must include a non-binding recommended revenue source.
- The Balanced Budget Mandate: All citizen-led measures are legally subject to the Commonwealth’s constitutional requirement to maintain a balanced budget. The General Assembly has a ministerial duty to fund the people’s will, but they must do so within the bounds of fiscal solvency.

"Does this amendment allow local communities to ignore state mandates or "align" with other jurisdictions against Richmond’s wishes?"

Our bill transitions Virginia from a "top-down" power structure to a system of Consensus-Based Localism. Under Subsections (a) and (r), we recognize that citizens living in a specific area should have priority in governance over officials in distant cities who are unaffected by those decisions. If a community determines that its needs are better met through Administrative Alignment or shared service compacts with neighboring jurisdictions, they have the constitutional right to vote for that change. This ensures that the "consent of the governed" is a geographic reality, not just a slogan, allowing local areas to function under the rules and partnerships that best reflect their unique values.