This November, Virginians will vote in critical elections that will determine control of the state’s House of Delegates — and with it, the future of abortion law in the state. To help stop Virginia Democrats from passing a resolution to place a dangerous constitutional amendment that would enshrine abortion on demand, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s partner, Women Speak Out Virginia (WSO VA) has launched a targeted student door-knocking program. The deployment began this week in the Richmond area and will expand to Virginia Beach later this summer, with a goal of reaching more than 40,000 homes across four key districts, mobilizing pro-life voters, and securing key victories for Republican candidates committed to protecting unborn life.
We spoke with Caitlin Connors, SBA’s Regional Political Director, who is actively involved in this grassroots effort, to learn more about why this election matters, how the student canvassers make a difference, and what’s at stake for Virginia and the pro-life movement.
Q: Why is the upcoming Virginia House of Delegates election so critical for the pro-life movement? What’s at stake if pro-abortion Democrats retain control?
Caitlin Connors: This election is really a defining moment for Virginia. Radical pro-abortion Democrats have already laid the groundwork to place an all-trimester abortion constitutional amendment on the ballot. If they maintain control of the House of Delegates, they’ll have the opportunity to pass this amendment — which would make abortion a constitutional right at any point during pregnancy.
What makes this amendment especially dangerous is not only that it enshrines abortion as a constitutional right at any point in pregnancy, but also that it’s deliberately vague — jeopardizing the Commonwealth’s parental consent laws, allowing minors to obtain abortions without their parents’ knowledge or approval; opening the door for forcing taxpayer funding of abortion; and potentially undermining conscience protections for medical professionals who object to performing abortions on moral or religious grounds.
We’ve seen similar ballot measures in other states with devastating consequences. Once abortion is enshrined in a constitution, it’s nearly impossible to repeal. So this November, the stakes couldn’t be higher: it’s about whether Virginia protects innocent lives or permanently codifies abortion-on-demand.
Q: What makes these student canvassers so effective, and how does their passion come through when engaging voters?
Caitlin: Door-knocking can be a real challenge, but it remains one of the most effective ways to inform voters and have real, face-to-face conversations that change hearts and minds, ultimately driving people to the polls. That’s why we’ve deployed about 50 students on the ground in Richmond this week, and they bring an incredible level of passion and energy to this mission.
Voters can quickly tell if someone is just there for a paycheck or reading from a script without conviction. Our students are deeply committed — they know the issues inside and out and are ready to engage in meaningful conversations. Their enthusiasm is contagious. When they share personal stories or explain why this issue matters to them, it resonates far more than a scripted message ever could. This emotional connection is crucial for persuading voters and answering their questions thoughtfully.
That natural passion is amplified by the hands-on training we provide — equipping our canvassers with the tools to speak confidently, connect personally, and respond with clarity when questions arise. Along with those personal interactions, our canvassers also leave behind clear, informative materials that reinforce the message and help voters remember what’s at stake — even after the door closes.
This is what makes this program so unique: it channels the conviction of the next generation of pro-life leaders. These students are the future of our movement, and their presence on the ground is a game changer for mobilizing voters in this pivotal race.
Q: What kind of voters are you targeting in this deployment, and how do you identify the most strategic homes to visit?
Caitlin: Our Voter Contact program is really our niche — we know how to reach and motivate these voters to turn out and make their voices heard.
Since 2014, SBA has refined a precise system for identifying the right voters to contact. We focus on pro-life, low-propensity voters — people who support life but might not consistently vote or show up at the polls.
Our data modeling allows us to pinpoint households where these voters live, ensuring we’re not wasting time knocking on random doors. This targeted approach is especially important in an off-year election, when many people might not even realize the House of Delegates race is happening. Turnout is the name of the game in these kinds of elections, especially, and that’s the design behind our canvassing program.
Q: What’s one takeaway you want people to understand about this Virginia deployment and why it’s so important?
Caitlin: This November election is a clear-cut opportunity to stop radical pro-abortion Democrats from enshrining abortion-on-demand into Virginia’s constitution. They’ve made it clear this is their top priority — it’s always one of the first things they push when they’re in session.
If the Democrats retain their majority, Virginians risk losing parental rights, taxpayer protections, and conscience rights for medical professionals. On the other hand, winning a pro-life majority in the House of Delegates will block this amendment and protect countless lives.
This race is a defining moment for Virginia and the broader fight to protect life. With so much on the line, our student canvassers are on the front lines — engaging voters face-to-face, sharing the truth, and ensuring they know what’s at stake before heading to the polls. Their passion and commitment are helping to shape the future for life in Virginia and beyond.
Paid for by Women Speak Out Virginia – 2025. Not authorized by a candidate.
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