Voter Approval for Legislative Pay Raises in Virginia

Title: Require Voter Approval for Legislative Pay Raises in Virginia

We, the residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, call on the Virginia General Assembly to pass a constitutional amendment requiring that any increase in legislative salary or allowances be approved by voters in a statewide referendum before taking effect.

Under current law, legislators may vote to raise their own pay, with the only limitation being that the increase cannot take effect until after the next House of Delegates election. While this delay offers some accountability, it does not give Virginians a direct voice in decisions about how elected officials compensate themselves.

We believe:
•     Public trust depends on transparency and accountability.
•     No elected official should have unilateral authority to increase their own compensation.
•     Voters deserve the final say on how taxpayer dollars are used to pay their representatives.
•     Requiring voter approval is a fair, nonpartisan safeguard that strengthens confidence in our democratic institutions.

We therefore urge the General Assembly to adopt a constitutional amendment adding the following requirement to Article IV, Section 5:
“No law increasing the salary or allowances of members of the General Assembly shall take effect unless approved by a majority of voters in a statewide referendum held at the next general election following the enactment of such law.”

This amendment does not prevent legislators from proposing pay adjustments. It simply ensures that the people of Virginia have the final say.

Add your name to support this reform and help restore trust in our government.