Boysko Bulletin: Make Your 11/4 Election Voting Plan; Redistricting Amendment Passes |
Dear Friend,
Have you voted yet for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and the House of Delegates? This is a critical election. You have the power to elect Virginia leaders who will fight to keep you safe and free despite what’s happening with the current federal administration. You can vote early in person through Saturday and on election day. I’ve included detailed information about locations further down in the bulletin.
Also top of mind, I’ve been in Richmond this week for a special General Assembly Session to provide Virginia with redistricting options to preserve our nation in the face of unprecedented attacks on our democracy. Republicans, at Donald Trump’s direction, have been manipulating election maps all across the country. They’ve already done it in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio where they have created nine new Republican Congressional seats so far. And there is talk of Republican lawmakers in Kansas, Indiana, and Florida following suit. In each place, they are shutting out Democrats so that the next Congressional election outcome will be predetermined and will keep Republicans in power in Washington.
These extreme actions threaten our democracy. You may recall that I am a strong supporter of our recent Constitutional amendment to create the redistricting commission and was proud to vote for it. That support will not change. I am unwilling to repeal our redistricting commission. But I’m also unwilling to let Republican legislators in other states rig the system at the national level. In Virginia, while we continue to monitor these actions, my Democratic colleagues in the House and the Senate believe that we need to keep options on the table to allow a temporary change in response to these abuses taking place in other states. We can take measured actions that will procedurally allow Virginia’s General Assembly to keep our options open to respond if needed, without binding us to any particular course of action. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing this past week in Richmond.
Today, we passed HJ 6007, which would amend Article II, Section 6 of the Virginia Constitution, allowing the legislature to modify one or more congressional districts only if any other state conducts a redistricting of its congressional districts for any purpose other than completion of the state’s decennial redistricting or as ordered by a court to remedy an unlawful or unconstitutional district map. This authority would apply only between January 1, 2025 and October 31, 2030.
The bill retains Virginia’s 2020 independent redistricting commission while giving the General Assembly a narrow option to respond if GOP-controlled states redraw their maps mid-decade and alter national representation. We will have the ability to debate and vote on the amendment a second time during the 2026 General Assembly Session. If it passes, then you, the voter, will have the final say on whether the Constitution is amended through a referendum.
You can watch the Senate debates here: https://virginia-senate.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=3. Watch the House in action here: https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/chamber/chamberstream.php.
I appreciate the many emails I have received regarding redistricting, the federal shutdown, and other matters. Know that I see the struggles of those impacted by federal employee and contractor layoffs, the shutdown, rising healthcare costs, troops in our cities, and the ugly attacks on immigrants. I have resources listed on my website. You can also reach out for help by emailing [email protected] or calling 703-437-0086.
Kindest regards, |
Jennifer B. Boysko Member, Senate of Virginia Representing the 38th Senate District making up the northernmost portions of Fairfax County (Great Falls, Herndon, McLean, Reston, WolfTrap, parts of unincorporated Vienna and a slice of Falls Church)
PS If you would like to support my work, please visit my fundraising page. Photo Gallery |
At the Northern Virginia Aging Network Legislative Breakfast - we appreciate the opportunity to focus on the needs of older Virginians
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At the Nova Nurses Legislative Reception |
Private College Caucus Meeting - Senator Boysko serves as CoChair |
Homes for All Assembly - 900 people from 44 groups came together to ask legislator to make affordable housing a top priority in the 2026 General Assembly |
At the ArtsFairfax Awards: with Delegate Cohen and Tarina Keene, Executive Director of ReproRising, Honoree Marco Rando, and Honoree Lester Lyles |
top to bottom: In Richmond for a Special Session: Senator Boysko's Floor Speech Regarding AG Miyares decision to continue to pursue a contempt conviction in a case where she was the victim of domestic violence; fortunately the Virginia Supreme Court has overturned the conviction with a strong critique of the judge's treatment of the victim who was in the court as a witness; the redistricting amendment that we passed today and the vote board, and Senator Boysko with Senator Hashmi who is a candidate for Lt. Governor
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November 4 General Election
Offices on the ballot for November 4th include Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Virginia House of Delegates, and Local Offices (not in Fairfax County this year). You can vote early in person through Saturday. Remember that we have same day registration in Virginia - you will vote a provisional ballot but it will be counted after verification.
Early Voting Now Thru November 1 Fairfax County Government Center Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturdays (Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 1): 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. North County Governmental Center Monday – Friday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturdays (Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 1): 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more locations and hours for voting, including expanded early voting starting October 23, check out the Fairfax County Office of Elections website. Expanded locations in District 38 include the Great Falls Library, the Herndon Fortnightly Library and the McLean Governmental Center. Legislative Updates
Work continues on my 2026 legislative slate. We are limited to 25 bills plus any bills recommended by a commission. I’ve drafted bills on reproductive freedom, broadband, non disclosure agreements, criminal justice reform, a antibullying in nonpublic schools (a good follow up from my work to stop hazing in public schools), education bills to incentivize our best teachers and staff to stay, employment bills so all Virginians are paid fairly and have benefits that strengthen their families and their health, and extreme weather tax payer protection (polluters, not tax payers, should pay for the flooding and fire damage). I have multiple healthcare bills, two housing bills, a public safety firearm storage bill, and several more under consideration.
I’ve been meeting with advocates in Richmond and in my district office and virtually. Please reach out to me by email at [email protected] if you would like to discuss legislation. SNAP Updates Basic Needs Assistance (CSP) - call 703-222-0880 (M-F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) Emergency Food Access Map Department of Family Services
Health and Human Services
As of now, other public assistance programs such as Child Care Assistance and Referral (CCAR), Medical Assistance (Medicaid), and LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) are not affected. We do not have updated guidance from the state about impacts to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. Follow SNAP updates here.
ArtsFairfax Awards
Congratulations to retired Air Force General Lester Lyles and South Lakes HS teacher Marco Rando for their ArtsFairfax Awards. I enjoyed being on stage with them. Learn more about their contributions: 2025 ArtsFairfax Jinx Hazel Award: General Lester Lyles and 2025 ArtsFairfax Education Award: Marco Rando.
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- Addiction Recovery
- Know Your Rights - Resources for Immigrants
Opportunities Enjoy Our Beautiful Parks and Recreation Facilities
Our Fairfax County parks and recreation facilities remain open during the federal government shutdown. This is the perfect time to get outside and go for a walk or bike ride. Check out the Park Authority website. There are over 334 miles of trails in the County park system alone. You can search for a trail with Trail Buddy. We also have access to parks via NOVA Parks. And Virginia has 43 state parks with thousands of campsites, hundreds of cabins, more than 700 miles of trails and convenient access to Virginia's major waterways. You’ll find beaches, picnic shelters, lodges, meeting facilities, festivals, concerts, nature programs, and cultural events.
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Rising food costs and reductions in benefits are stressing budgets for those experiencing food insecurity. Your contribution will ensure a Happy Thanksgiving for members of our community.
Download the Thanksgiving Food Drive Flyer Here Three options for support this year! Option #1
Make a financial contribution to ensure food security in our community. CLICK HERE Option #2
Shop our Amazon Wish List and food will be delivered directly to our FREE from Hunger Center. CLICK HERE
Option #3
Purchase the items on this list to pack a hearty Thanksgiving box (no bags please) and provide a $25 grocery store gift card (please keep card separate from food). Then deliver your donation with the instructions below. DROP-OFF INSTRUCTIONS ***NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR***
Cornerstones FREE from Hunger Center
22560 Glenn Drive, Suite #105
Sterling, VA 20164 Wednesday, November 19
Thursday, November 20 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Shopping List (for option 3)
3 cans vegetables (no green beans) 2 cans fruit 1 bottle olive or canola oil (~24 oz.) 1 box instant potatoes, stuffing, or macaroni & cheese 1 box or 2.5 lb. bag rice 1 box biscuit or muffin mix 1 (1-2 lb.) bag dried beans or lentils 1 box dessert mix – brownies, cookies, cake, etc.
2 lb. bag flour 2 lb. bag sugar In the News
Video: VA State Senators Jennifer Boysko, Scott Surovell Discuss Why AG Jason Miyares “Has NOT Done a Good Job” – Lost Case After Case, Refused to Stand Up for Virginians or Against Trump, Fought to Keep Domestic Violence Victim Locked Up, etc. Reid debates AI version of Hashmi after real one refuses Plan for express lanes on Woodrow Wilson Bridge hits roadblock
DC metro region leaders exclude I-495 express lanes project from long-term plan; Leaders tell VDOT to rework the project, report back status next year
Key vote on I-495 Southside express lanes project postponed to 2026 or beyond
Herndon Homecoming 2025 Events |
Keep in Touch
It’s been a busy year back and forth from Richmond. Here in District 38, I work with my Chief of Staff Karen Harrison, and aides, Kathy Shupe, Juliet Morro, and Aditi Goel. For constituent services and to schedule meetings with your community group, please call (703) 437-0086 or email Senator [email protected]. Friend me on Facebook and follow me on X and Instagram.
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PO Box 247
Herndon, VA 20172
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