RICHMOND, Va. (AP) —
Virginia voters are deciding whether to limit government's powers to take private property through eminent domain.
Question 1 on the ballot Tuesday would amend the state Constitution to ensure that private property is taken only for a true "public use" and not given to another private landowner such as a developer. It would also compensate businesses for lost profits.
The proposed amendment is part of a national groundswell that followed a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2005 allowing private property to be seized for economic development projects.
Proponents argue that property ownership is a fundamental right and should be enshrined in the Constitution.
Opponents say a 2007 state law achieves the same ends and should be monitored to ensure it does the job it was intended to do.
