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Welcome to Virginia Institute Action Action Action

The Virginia Institute Action, formerly known as Tertium Quids, is an independent, nonpartisan, advocacy organization dedicated to advancing legislative initiatives that enhance individual opportunity and foster economic prosperity, all while advocating for a reduction in the size, scope, and cost of government in Virginia.

Through grassroots education, mobilization efforts, and direct engagement with local and state officials, Virginia Institute Action reshapes public discourse in support of fundamental principles such as individual liberty, private property rights, the rule of law, and constitutionally limited government.

Our advocates, spread across Virginia, are united by a commitment to the core principles of our republic, transcending partisan politics in favor of advancing the common good.

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Recent Updates Updates Updates

Please see our most recent legislative updates and other posts below.

Press Release: Decisive Leadership for the Commonwealth

Virginia Conservative Leaders Coalition Celebrates Governor Youngkin’s Decisive Leadership for the Commonwealth

RICHMOND, VA – Amidst a challenging budgetary landscape, the Virginia Conservative Leaders Coalition commends Governor Glenn Youngkin for his thoughtful navigation of Virginia’s fiscal priorities during the 2024 session of Virginia’s General Assembly. Governor Youngkin’s “Common Ground Budget” exemplifies his leadership in bridging divides. This budget offers significant concessions to avoid drastic tax increases while incorporating spending priorities important to both parties. These include increased state aid for schools and raises for Virginia’s public school teachers and state employees.

While the new spending exceeds what many conservatives would prefer, Governor Youngkin’s efforts reflect a commitment to pragmatic governance in a divided political environment. His approach has ensured that while taxes will not decrease, they will also not increase, effectively stalling the proposed digital sales tax, the B2B tax, and a return to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative’s carbon tax.

In addition to fiscal management, Governor Youngkin demonstrated resolute leadership by vetoing a record number of 153 bills this session, underscoring his dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the Commonwealth. These vetoes addressed a wide range of issues, such as a new unconstitutional ban on assault rifles and legal restrictions on gun storage, the poorly conceived Prescription Drug Affordability Board that would have been anything but affordable, increases to the minimum wage and employer/employee-subsidized benefit mandates, ranked-choice voting, and much more. 

“Governor Youngkin’s careful consideration and action on key legislation conveys his dedication to safeguarding Virginia’s future and preserving our shared values,” remarked Lynn Taylor of Virginia Institute Action. “His veto decisions send a clear message: he understands the intricacies of the Commonwealth’s challenges and is committed to finding solutions that prioritize economic prosperity and individual liberties for all Virginians.”

This success is a shared triumph, bolstered by the efforts of coalition partners, including The Family Foundation, Virginia Institute for Public Policy, Middle Resolution, Virginia Fair Elections, Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, Virginia Education Opportunity Alliance, and the Virginia Tea Party. Together, we have demonstrated the power of unity and the impact of strategic collaboration.

“As we celebrate this victory, we are reminded of the continuous need for vigilance and proactive engagement in the legislative process,” said Taylor. “We remain committed to leading the way in strategic policy advocacy, ensuring that our collective voices are heard and our policy goals are achieved.”

Governor Youngkin’s dedication to serving the people of Virginia is commendable, and the Virginia Institute looks forward to continued collaboration with him and our coalition partners in advancing the enduring values that define our beloved Commonwealth.


The Virginia Conservative Leadership Coalition is made up of Virginia-based organizations dedicated to public policy that support and advocate for the fundamental precepts of a free, civil society: individual freedom, economic opportunity, traditional family values and strong stances on the inherent safeguards needed for a constitutional democracy. The coalition is composed of the Virginia Institute for Public Policy, The Family Foundation, Virginia Institute Action, Middle Resolution, Virginia Fair Elections, Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, Virginia Education Opportunity Alliance, and Virginia Tea Party Patriots.

Media inquiries may be sent to: [email protected].


Press Release
Press Release: Decisive Leadership for the Commonwealth

Virginia Conservative Leaders Coalition Celebrates Governor Youngkin’s Decisive Leadership for the Commonwealth

RICHMOND, VA – Amidst a challenging budgetary landscape, the Virginia Conservative Leaders Coalition commends Governor Glenn Youngkin for his thoughtful navigation of Virginia’s fiscal priorities during the 2024 session of Virginia’s General Assembly. Governor Youngkin’s “Common Ground Budget” exemplifies his leadership in bridging divides. This budget offers significant concessions to avoid drastic tax increases while incorporating spending priorities important to both parties. These include increased state aid for schools and raises for Virginia’s public school teachers and state employees.

While the new spending exceeds what many conservatives would prefer, Governor Youngkin’s efforts reflect a commitment to pragmatic governance in a divided political environment. His approach has ensured that while taxes will not decrease, they will also not increase, effectively stalling the proposed digital sales tax, the B2B tax, and a return to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative’s carbon tax.

In addition to fiscal management, Governor Youngkin demonstrated resolute leadership by vetoing a record number of 153 bills this session, underscoring his dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the Commonwealth. These vetoes addressed a wide range of issues, such as a new unconstitutional ban on assault rifles and legal restrictions on gun storage, the poorly conceived Prescription Drug Affordability Board that would have been anything but affordable, increases to the minimum wage and employer/employee-subsidized benefit mandates, ranked-choice voting, and much more. 

“Governor Youngkin’s careful consideration and action on key legislation conveys his dedication to safeguarding Virginia’s future and preserving our shared values,” remarked Lynn Taylor of Virginia Institute Action. “His veto decisions send a clear message: he understands the intricacies of the Commonwealth’s challenges and is committed to finding solutions that prioritize economic prosperity and individual liberties for all Virginians.”

This success is a shared triumph, bolstered by the efforts of coalition partners, including The Family Foundation, Virginia Institute for Public Policy, Middle Resolution, Virginia Fair Elections, Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, Virginia Education Opportunity Alliance, and the Virginia Tea Party. Together, we have demonstrated the power of unity and the impact of strategic collaboration.

“As we celebrate this victory, we are reminded of the continuous need for vigilance and proactive engagement in the legislative process,” said Taylor. “We remain committed to leading the way in strategic policy advocacy, ensuring that our collective voices are heard and our policy goals are achieved.”

Governor Youngkin’s dedication to serving the people of Virginia is commendable, and the Virginia Institute looks forward to continued collaboration with him and our coalition partners in advancing the enduring values that define our beloved Commonwealth.


The Virginia Conservative Leadership Coalition is made up of Virginia-based organizations dedicated to public policy that support and advocate for the fundamental precepts of a free, civil society: individual freedom, economic opportunity, traditional family values and strong stances on the inherent safeguards needed for a constitutional democracy. The coalition is composed of the Virginia Institute for Public Policy, The Family Foundation, Virginia Institute Action, Middle Resolution, Virginia Fair Elections, Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, Virginia Education Opportunity Alliance, and Virginia Tea Party Patriots.

Media inquiries may be sent to: [email protected].


Action Alert: Election Bills for Governor’s Action

The 2024 General Assembly session has been challenging to say the least!


However, with a lot of research, testimony in front of the Privileges and Elections committees and
productive meetings with legislators, we were able to kill or stall numerous bad election bills.
Additionally, Governor Youngkin has already vetoed two bills that proposed to re-enter Virginia into a
harmful system called ERIC, and he has suggested amendments to one other bill. 11 bad bills and two
election related budget items remain in the queue for the Governor to take action on. We are appealing to Governor Youngkin to VETO these 11 bad bills and 2 budget items and we need your help!


Please take a moment to email the Governor and urge him to VETO the bills listed below. For your
convenience, you may use or adapt the email template below. Please be polite and respectful and include
the bill lists.


Send Emails to [email protected] and
[email protected] or call 804 786-2211


[Your Name:]
[Your Address:]
[City, State ZIP Code:] [Date:]


The Honorable Governor Glenn Youngkin
P.O. Box 1475
Richmond, VA 23218


Dear Governor,
I am writing to you today to express my opposition to the 11 bills and 2 budget items listed below. These
bills if passed into law will weaken Virginia’s ability to keep our elections fair and secure. I have provided
the problems with each of the bills to show why your veto is crucially needed. Please veto all these bills.


Thank you for your time and consideration.


Sincerely,


[Your Name]
[Your Title, if applicable]
[Your Organization, if applicable]
[Your Phone Number and Email Address]


Veto HB 26 – Provides new non-verifiable ID for voting, issued by welfare contractors: The bill adds more types of “acceptable” Voter identification, from private organizations certified or licensed by the state, Social Services, Dept. of Health, Behavioral Health, Medical Assistance. Even if they are issued for other purposes, these ID cards should not be acceptable for voter identification.


Veto HB623 and HB1408 – Reduces local control of elections: Decisions about early voting satellite offices, even daily schedules and locations, are removed from local Electoral Boards who are accountable to the community, and instead put under the control of the state or board of supervisors.


Veto HB 904 and SB300 –Removes data matching methods and deadlines to weaken verification of voter registrations: These two bills weaken Virginia’s current Voter List Maintenance laws by eliminating deadlines specified in the current law for General Registrars and the state. Without the existing deadlines, standards will be weakened to maintain current and accurate Registered Voter Lists. Voters in other states or localities have to be identified using a limited set of criteria, reducing the number of potentially illegal voters that will be sent to Registrars to remove.


Veto HB 939 – Limits the Second Amendment: The prohibition of possessing a firearm is expanded from 40-feet out to 100-feet out from a polling location, electoral board meeting location, or drop box. Sponsors had no evidence-based justification for the expanded locations and distance.
Veto HB1454 and SB246 – Makes non-citizen voting easier: These two bills remove the identifying
features used to distinguish between citizen and non-citizen state-issued driver’s permits and special ID
cards and extends the valid use period to match real Driver’s License. These bills make it easier for
non-citizens to vote.


Veto HB1534 – Limits a voter’s right to challenge another voter’s registration: This bill removes a voter’s right to challenge the legitimacy of any voter’s registration directly to the Registrar. Instead three registered voters must challenge in Circuit Court earlier than 60 days before an election.


Veto SB428 – Suppresses voter’s choices through Ranked Choice Voting: This bill would further reduce transparency and accountability. Election officials would be forced to conduct any “Risk Limiting Audit” only on First-Rankings in an election. Some voters’ choices are already systematically suppressed with Ranked Choice Voting, because votes are eliminated. Ranked Choice Voting should not be an approved method for any elections in Virginia.


Veto SB364 – Limits the First Amendment: This bill could suppress protected speech criticizing
election administration. Election officials and electors are given special protected status, and vaguely
defined intimidation and “threats” are made causes for civil lawsuits. The bill is not needed to protect
election officials, because existing laws protect all persons from intimidation or threats, and even Biden’s
DOJ found that 89% of alleged “threats” against election officials were protected speech. No evidence
was submitted by sponsors of any actual threats made in Virginia against election officials.


Veto Budget Item 77#2c – Audits and Election Certification: F.1. and F.2. of this budget line item
would prohibit the critical ability to conduct a risk-limiting audit of Virginia presidential elections
and would delay certification of elections by expanding by multiple days the time frame that electoral
boards are given to complete election certification and other processes.


Veto Budget Item 77#3c – Funding for ERIC: This item provides $200,000 in funding for the bills
that have already been vetoed that would have re-entered Virginia into ERIC.

Action Alerts
Action Alert: Election Bills for Governor’s Action

The 2024 General Assembly session has been challenging to say the least!


However, with a lot of research, testimony in front of the Privileges and Elections committees and
productive meetings with legislators, we were able to kill or stall numerous bad election bills.
Additionally, Governor Youngkin has already vetoed two bills that proposed to re-enter Virginia into a
harmful system called ERIC, and he has suggested amendments to one other bill. 11 bad bills and two
election related budget items remain in the queue for the Governor to take action on. We are appealing to Governor Youngkin to VETO these 11 bad bills and 2 budget items and we need your help!


Please take a moment to email the Governor and urge him to VETO the bills listed below. For your
convenience, you may use or adapt the email template below. Please be polite and respectful and include
the bill lists.


Send Emails to [email protected] and
[email protected] or call 804 786-2211


[Your Name:]
[Your Address:]
[City, State ZIP Code:] [Date:]


The Honorable Governor Glenn Youngkin
P.O. Box 1475
Richmond, VA 23218


Dear Governor,
I am writing to you today to express my opposition to the 11 bills and 2 budget items listed below. These
bills if passed into law will weaken Virginia’s ability to keep our elections fair and secure. I have provided
the problems with each of the bills to show why your veto is crucially needed. Please veto all these bills.


Thank you for your time and consideration.


Sincerely,


[Your Name]
[Your Title, if applicable]
[Your Organization, if applicable]
[Your Phone Number and Email Address]


Veto HB 26 – Provides new non-verifiable ID for voting, issued by welfare contractors: The bill adds more types of “acceptable” Voter identification, from private organizations certified or licensed by the state, Social Services, Dept. of Health, Behavioral Health, Medical Assistance. Even if they are issued for other purposes, these ID cards should not be acceptable for voter identification.


Veto HB623 and HB1408 – Reduces local control of elections: Decisions about early voting satellite offices, even daily schedules and locations, are removed from local Electoral Boards who are accountable to the community, and instead put under the control of the state or board of supervisors.


Veto HB 904 and SB300 –Removes data matching methods and deadlines to weaken verification of voter registrations: These two bills weaken Virginia’s current Voter List Maintenance laws by eliminating deadlines specified in the current law for General Registrars and the state. Without the existing deadlines, standards will be weakened to maintain current and accurate Registered Voter Lists. Voters in other states or localities have to be identified using a limited set of criteria, reducing the number of potentially illegal voters that will be sent to Registrars to remove.


Veto HB 939 – Limits the Second Amendment: The prohibition of possessing a firearm is expanded from 40-feet out to 100-feet out from a polling location, electoral board meeting location, or drop box. Sponsors had no evidence-based justification for the expanded locations and distance.
Veto HB1454 and SB246 – Makes non-citizen voting easier: These two bills remove the identifying
features used to distinguish between citizen and non-citizen state-issued driver’s permits and special ID
cards and extends the valid use period to match real Driver’s License. These bills make it easier for
non-citizens to vote.


Veto HB1534 – Limits a voter’s right to challenge another voter’s registration: This bill removes a voter’s right to challenge the legitimacy of any voter’s registration directly to the Registrar. Instead three registered voters must challenge in Circuit Court earlier than 60 days before an election.


Veto SB428 – Suppresses voter’s choices through Ranked Choice Voting: This bill would further reduce transparency and accountability. Election officials would be forced to conduct any “Risk Limiting Audit” only on First-Rankings in an election. Some voters’ choices are already systematically suppressed with Ranked Choice Voting, because votes are eliminated. Ranked Choice Voting should not be an approved method for any elections in Virginia.


Veto SB364 – Limits the First Amendment: This bill could suppress protected speech criticizing
election administration. Election officials and electors are given special protected status, and vaguely
defined intimidation and “threats” are made causes for civil lawsuits. The bill is not needed to protect
election officials, because existing laws protect all persons from intimidation or threats, and even Biden’s
DOJ found that 89% of alleged “threats” against election officials were protected speech. No evidence
was submitted by sponsors of any actual threats made in Virginia against election officials.


Veto Budget Item 77#2c – Audits and Election Certification: F.1. and F.2. of this budget line item
would prohibit the critical ability to conduct a risk-limiting audit of Virginia presidential elections
and would delay certification of elections by expanding by multiple days the time frame that electoral
boards are given to complete election certification and other processes.


Veto Budget Item 77#3c – Funding for ERIC: This item provides $200,000 in funding for the bills
that have already been vetoed that would have re-entered Virginia into ERIC.