People's Platform

Lower The Voting Age To 16. What politicians do today affects future generations. Lowering the voting age to 16 in local elections will help young people have a say in policies that will affect them while getting them invested in their communities. (Matt, Fairfax)

 

Use Ranked-Choice Voting. Implementing ranked-choice voting gives third-party and independent candidates a fair chance while providing voters with more choices. (Mark, Roanoke)

 

Eliminate Cash Bail. As they stand, Virginia’s laws allow judges to set high bonds on people who haven’t been convicted of a crime while they await trial. Eliminating the cash bail system would allow those inmates to stay out of jail, saving the Commonwealth money. People shouldn’t be in jail simply because they can’t afford to pay their bail. (Sarah, Roanoke)

 

High-Speed Internet For All Virginians. The pandemic exposed how many children and working families don’t have reliable internet access. Internet should be treated like any other public utility, and it shouldn’t matter where you live to get it. We need to ensure all Virginians have access to high-speed internet. (Patrick, Herndon)

 

Protect Small Businesses. Enact a tax rebate for small businesses to ensure the smallest of businesses have the chance to succeed. Small businesses were hit hard during the pandemic. Even with the Paycheck Protection Program, many business owners had to lay off staff. A tax rebate for small businesses would put money back in the hands of workers rather than large companies. (Andrew, Fairfax)

 

Repeal Right To Work. Repealing Virginia’s Right to Work laws would protect workers by allowing them to join unions and collectively bargain for their wages and benefits. Large corporations have long opposed such measures because it would hurt their bottom line. We need to stand with workers.  (Jay, Henrico)

 

Raise The Minimum Wage And Index To Inflation. We must ensure Virginia raises the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Current law raises the minimum wage to $12 per hour by January 1, 2023 with a promise to re-evaluate an increase to $15 per hour. We have more work to do. (Jay, Henrico)

 

Increase Access To Rural Health Care. The opioid epidemic hit rural areas just as hard as metropolitan areas. Treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues is sparse in much of Rural Virginia. Increasing health care access in these areas will keep our communities safe and healthy. (Joshua, Blacksburg)

 

Protect Free Speech. Enacting anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuits against public participation) legislation makes it easier to dismiss frivolous, anti-free speech lawsuits that affect public interest. These lawsuits are designed to sensor critics by loading them with court costs and lawyer fees. Free speech shouldn’t be silenced by powerful interests. (Christopher, Crozet)

 

Create a Medicaid Public Option. Despite some Medicaid expansions, there are still thousands who can’t afford health insurance. Creating a Medicaid buy-in (or public) option for all Virginians who don’t qualify for another form of universal health care will help close the gap. (Jordan, Rocky Mount)

 

Ban Pipelines. We know pipelines are harmful to our air and water. By banning the construction and operation of pipelines, we will be closer to achieving a healthier environment in Virginia. (Jordan, Rocky Mount)

 

Eliminate Sales Tax On Food & Hygiene Products. Everyone should have access to basic items like toothbrushes, soap, and food. Eliminating the 2.5 percent sales tax on food and hygiene products will help keep the most desperate Virginians clean and healthy. (Michael, Arlington)