Are you interested in the proposed amendments to Virginia’s Constitution. You will have the opportunity to vote on these amendments in November (see here).

We can easily take a cavalier attitude towards amending our Constitution. Because the changes we make can often produce unanticipated results, that is a bad idea. So when you vote on these ballot questions, please give it some thought.

Don’t know where to start? Here are some articles that discuss what the amendments are about.

The following are provided in no particular order.

Late in September the Richmond Times-Dispatch provided an article. It begins.

Virginians will have a chance to vote on three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution when they go to the polls Nov. 2. Two would allow more tax exemptions; a third would increase the size of the state’s “rainy-day” fund. The proposed amendments have passed the legislature in two General Assembly sessions. Voting on these proposals will be in addition to votes for the 11 seats in the House of Representatives. (from here)

Clarke Daily News provides a skeptical editorial that begins:

Election Day is approaching fast. With the many campaign signs that seem to spring up overnight in highway medians and front yards most people know that there are three candidates running for the US House of Representatives 10th District seat. (By the way, is it really necessary to have 30 signs for a single candidate all at one intersection?) However, this November’s ballot will also include three proposed amendments to the Constitution of Virginia that have not been widely publicized or debated but could make a difference in your tax bill. How will you vote on these three important issues? (from here)

Tidewater Liberty takes a principled position on two of the questions.

The Tidewater Libertarian Party takes no position on the increase in the Rainy Day Fund, but regardless of the worthiness of the beneficiaries, we must, in principle, strongly oppose the property tax exemptions. Over 250 years ago, Alexis de Tocqueville warned that “A democratic government is the only one in which those who vote for a tax can escape the obligation to pay it.” and that this imperils the Republic. Voters who are not affected by a tax have no incentive to rein in government spending funded by that tax. For that reason, no one should be exempted from a tax, and even if a tax is made progressive, everyone should pay something. (from here)

At Senators4VA.com, Senator Mark D. Obenshain explains the ballot questions.

Many voters will be surprised to see three Virginia Constitutional Amendments on the ballot when they vote in three weeks (or earlier if voting by absentee ballot). I write this to provide a quick overview of the three constitutional ballot questions you will see when you vote. (from here)

Still undecided? Then please consider BACKGROUND ON THE BALLOT QUESTIONS ON THE 2010 VIRGINIA BALLOT: 2nd POST.

In addition to information on the ballot questions, we at the Prince William-Manassas Family Alliance also provide a voter guide. Please see VOTER GUIDE for the GENERAL ELECTION, NOVEMBER 2nd 10th and 11th DISTRICTS, U.S. HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES.