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Virginia voters approve abortion, marriage and voting rights

The historic vote cements Virginia's status as a Southern outlier and reverses restrictions on marriage equality and voting.

News

Virginia voters approved three <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="constitutional amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/10/28/virginia-early-voting-2026-elections-guide" data-vars-content-id="27a37df7-7bca-4f0a-ae6e-43ff0e4ff3b2" data-vars-headline="Virginia voters approve abortion, marriage and voting rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/10/28/virginia-early-voting-2026-elections-guide" target="_self">constitutional amendments</a> Tuesday, per AP, on abortion, marriage equality and voting rights — changes that could shape the state&#x27;s highest law for generations.Why it matters: The results cement Virginia&#x27;s status as an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outlier in the South" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/21/virginia-abortion-spike-florida-ban" data-vars-content-id="27a37df7-7bca-4f0a-ae6e-43ff0e4ff3b2" data-vars-headline="Virginia voters approve abortion, marriage and voting rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/21/virginia-abortion-spike-florida-ban" target="_self">outlier in the South</a> on abortion rights, while making protections for some of the nation&#x27;s most fiercely debated rights harder for future lawmakers to undo.<ul><li>But both the marriage equality and reproductive rights amendments face <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="separate legal challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://virginiamercury.com/2026/10/28/if-virginians-approve-reproductive-rights-amendment-a-hearing-is-set-for-nov-13-to-challenge-it/" data-vars-content-id="27a37df7-7bca-4f0a-ae6e-43ff0e4ff3b2" data-vars-headline="Virginia voters approve abortion, marriage and voting rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://virginiamercury.com/2026/10/28/if-virginians-approve-reproductive-rights-amendment-a-hearing-is-set-for-nov-13-to-challenge-it/" target="_blank">separate legal challenges</a> seeking to block certification of their results.</li></ul>

Richmond's suburbs have too many deer and too few hunters

Neighborhoods offer deer plenty of food and refuge from hunters, allowing populations to thrive.

Richmond has a deer problem — and fewer hunters to help keep the population in check, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources" data-vars-click-url="https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/2026-deer-season-forecast/" data-vars-content-id="e6c2176f-d4c1-4c82-89eb-2319c18556f4" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s suburbs have too many deer and too few hunters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/2026-deer-season-forecast/" target="_blank">Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources</a>.Why it matters: As Richmond&#x27;s suburbs expand, deer are finding refuge in neighborhoods where hunting is limited, making them harder to control.

Richmond is first stop for LEGO's holiday workshop tour

The free, two-day event brings LEGO racing, reindeer builds and holiday fun to Short Pump this weekend.

Things to Do

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LEGO" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2022/06/15/lego-factory-chesterfield-richmond-jobs" data-vars-content-id="649cbd7d-c85c-4cf9-9d0c-32c25c989026" data-vars-headline="Richmond is first stop for LEGO&#x27;s holiday workshop tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2022/06/15/lego-factory-chesterfield-richmond-jobs" target="_self">LEGO</a> Holiday Workshop is popping up in Richmond this weekend — and it&#x27;s the first stop on LEGO&#x27;s nationwide holiday magic tour. Why it matters: The free, two-day pop-up lets fans of all ages build, play and get into the holiday spirit — LEGO-style.

Democrat Shannon Taylor flips Virginia's 1st Congressional District

The Democrat and Henrico prosecutor has won a district Republicans have held since 1977.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shannon Taylor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/10/28/virginia-early-voting-2026-elections-guide" data-vars-content-id="c785e4a1-f085-4434-9243-745f635487b4" data-vars-headline="Democrat Shannon Taylor flips Virginia&#x27;s 1st Congressional District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/10/28/virginia-early-voting-2026-elections-guide" target="_self">Shannon Taylor</a> defeats longtime Republican Rep. Rob Wittman in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia&#x27;s 1st Congressional District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/21/virginia-early-voting-2026-elections-guide" data-vars-content-id="c785e4a1-f085-4434-9243-745f635487b4" data-vars-headline="Democrat Shannon Taylor flips Virginia&#x27;s 1st Congressional District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/21/virginia-early-voting-2026-elections-guide" target="_self">Virginia&#x27;s 1st Congressional District</a>, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AP" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/" data-vars-content-id="c785e4a1-f085-4434-9243-745f635487b4" data-vars-headline="Democrat Shannon Taylor flips Virginia&#x27;s 1st Congressional District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/" target="_blank">AP</a>, which called the race around noon Thursday. Why it matters: Taylor&#x27;s victory marks a Democratic breakthrough in a district Republicans have held for nearly 50 years — and helps solidify Democrats&#x27; control of the U.S. House.

Richmond's great Halloween candy divide

An Axios Richmond survey suggests families are flocking to popular streets while other neighborhoods see fewer visitors.

Holidays

Some Richmond-area residents are buying less candy this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Halloween" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/10/22/richmond-halloween-decorations-spooky-house-bus-tuktuk-tours" data-vars-content-id="82f0fc39-5762-4009-bbca-84cf95d4f428" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s great Halloween candy divide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/10/22/richmond-halloween-decorations-spooky-house-bus-tuktuk-tours" target="_self">Halloween</a> or rationing treats. Others are stocking up on more than 1,000 pieces.Why it matters: Candy prices are soaring, and how much Richmonders need to buy depends a lot on where they live, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; reader survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/10/26/halloween-candy-prices-richmond-survey-2026" data-vars-content-id="82f0fc39-5762-4009-bbca-84cf95d4f428" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s great Halloween candy divide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/10/26/halloween-candy-prices-richmond-survey-2026" target="_self">Axios&#x27; reader survey</a> found.

5 last-minute Halloween costumes only Richmonders will get

Mayor Avula, a canceled Flock camera, and a singular sidewalk chicken bone walk into a Halloween party.

Still scrambling for a Halloween costume? Just dress as something only Richmonders would understand, like:

5 Richmond-area places where ghosts reportedly linger

From ghostly wedding guests to flying coffee pots, these local hauntings aren't just urban legends.

Culture

From uninvited wedding guests to a long-dead movie theater manager who never clocked out, Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/10/31/virginias-most-haunted-places" data-vars-content-id="e5dd5929-3539-49c1-912b-81d1b110a257" data-vars-headline="5 Richmond-area places where ghosts reportedly linger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/10/31/virginias-most-haunted-places" target="_self">history</a> is alive and well — perhaps a little too alive.Why it matters: Halloween is upon us, so we&#x27;re digging up local ghost stories that might make you believe in things that go bump in the night — or ghostly fingers brushing against your flesh.

Richmond Halloween weekend 2026: 16 things to do

This might be one of the most packed Halloween weekend lineups Richmond has had in a minute.

Survey: How much are Richmonders spending on Halloween candy?

From $20 candy bowls to $300 trick-or-treat hauls, we want to know what Halloween is costing you.

Halloween is less than a week away, and we&#x27;re curious how much Richmond-area residents are spending to keep their candy bowls stocked this year.The big questions: Are you spending more than last year or cutting back? Are rising prices a factor?<ul><li>And if you live in a popular trick-or-treating hotspot, how much does keeping up with the crowds cost?</li></ul>

Richmond's Halloween lights get the tacky treatment

From creepy bus rides to heated Tuk Tuks, Richmonders can tour the city's wildest Halloween displays.

Richmond&#x27;s beloved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tacky Lights holiday " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/11/16/best-christmas-lights-tacky-ranking-virginia" data-vars-content-id="b3cf09d0-40fb-44b3-9754-917d7fd49b97" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s Halloween lights get the tacky treatment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/11/16/best-christmas-lights-tacky-ranking-virginia" target="_self">Tacky Lights holiday </a>tradition has a spooky-season counterpart.State of play: Richmonders can take guided tours of the city&#x27;s most over-the-top Halloween decorations — no Christmas lights required.

Spirit Christmas is coming to the Richmond area in November

The Colonial Heights holiday pop-up is one of only 44 stores nationwide and two in Virginia.

Spirit Christmas is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coming to Colonial Heights" data-vars-click-url="https://stores.spirithalloween.com/christmas/va/colonialheights/christmas-store-10009.html" data-vars-content-id="495b4040-0383-4119-9d39-83ee2a1414ef" data-vars-headline="Spirit Christmas is coming to the Richmond area in November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stores.spirithalloween.com/christmas/va/colonialheights/christmas-store-10009.html" target="_blank">coming to Colonial Heights</a> next month.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first time Spirit Halloween&#x27;s Yuletide spinoff sets up shop in the Richmond area — and the store is one of only 44 nationwide and two in Virginia.

Spirit Halloween haunts Richmond's retail ghosts

Six Richmond-area shops are popping up in former Joann, Sears, CVS and Painted Tree stores.

Spirit Halloween is haunting the shells of former big-box stores again this fall as it opens 1,500 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locations" data-vars-click-url="https://stores.spirithalloween.com/" data-vars-content-id="486d9f20-5752-4858-ae59-c5f86f720419" data-vars-headline="Spirit Halloween haunts Richmond&#x27;s retail ghosts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stores.spirithalloween.com/" target="_blank">locations</a> nationwide.Why it matters: The self-styled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest Halloween retailer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.spirithalloween.com/content.jsp?pageName=About" data-vars-content-id="486d9f20-5752-4858-ae59-c5f86f720419" data-vars-headline="Spirit Halloween haunts Richmond&#x27;s retail ghosts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.spirithalloween.com/content.jsp?pageName=About" target="_blank">largest Halloween retailer</a> in North America appears and vanishes each fall, so finding this year&#x27;s store often involves local shorthand, like &quot;Where the old Party City used to be.&quot;

Updated: Richmond's guide to celebrating America's 250th

From fireworks to Patrick Henry and parades, here's where to celebrate the Fourth across Richmond.

America&#x27;s big <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th birthday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/09/virginia-250-richmond-events-museums-sailfest" data-vars-content-id="3afc24ee-6726-401e-b851-5e9ca617afab" data-vars-headline="Updated: Richmond&#x27;s guide to celebrating America&#x27;s 250th" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/09/virginia-250-richmond-events-museums-sailfest" target="_self">250th birthday</a> is finally here.Why it matters: If there was ever a Fourth of July in your lifetime worth celebrating, it&#x27;s this one.

Chesterfield's viral hot cop inspires new 2026 calendar

The OG is on the back, but the rest of Chesterfield's calendar crew is just as dreamy — and it's for a good cause.

Chesterfield just dropped a 2026 police department calendar dedicated to a dozen of its most swoon-worthy officers.Why it matters: All proceeds from the sales go to the county&#x27;s animal shelter and its domestic violence task force.