It’s that time of year again, and the Virginia General Assembly is hard at work. Here are a number of good bills that will make it easier to vote. See Virginia Legislative Information Services for text and more information on these bills. Let your delegates and state senators know what you think. Please follow the DPVA Voter Protection and Expansion Council – @DPVAvote for twitter updates
Voter Registration bill HB 292 was referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections. The bill would establish pre-registration for persons age 16 and older who will not be 18 by the next general election. Pre-registered voters would be automatically registered on reaching 18 years of age.
Voter Registration bill HB 416 is pending referral. The bill would provide for automatic electronic transmission by the Department of Motor Vehicles to the Department of Elections of voter registration by eligible persons who do not decline to register to vote when given the opportunity during a transaction with the department of motor vehicles. If the person is registered, their registration must be updated, and if the person is not registered, the department of elections must verify eligibility and transmit the information to local registrars.
Absentee Voting bill HB 418 is pending referral. This bill would establish no-excuse absentee in person voting (early voting) for all registered voters. An excuse would still be required to vote absentee by mail.
Absentee Voting bill HB 430 is pending referral. This bill would establish no-excuse absentee in person voting (early voting) for all registered voters. An excuse would still be required to vote absentee by mail.
Voting Rights bill HJ 82 is pending referral. This bill would amend the Virginia constitution to allow the general assembly to provide for the automatic restoration of civil rights to persons who have been convicted of nonviolent felonies and who have completed service of their sentences, subject to the conditions, requirements, and definitions set forth in that law.
Voter Registration bill SB 222 was referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections. The bill would provide for automatic electronic transmission by the DMV to the Department of Elections of voter registration by eligible persons who do not decline to register to vote when given the opportunity during a transaction with the DMV. If the person is registered, their registration must be updated, and if the person is not registered, the department of elections must verify eligibility and transmit the information to local registrars.
Voting Rights Restoration HB 107 was filed. This bill provides for the automatic restoration of voting rights for those convicted of nonviolent felonies (excluding felony drug and election fraud crimes) upon completion of sentence, including any term of probation or parole, and the payment of all restitution, fines, costs, and fees assessed as a result of the felony conviction.
Voter ID Expansion bill SB 69 was referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections. This bill adds to the list of accepted forms of identification for purposes of voting a valid ID with the voter’s photo that is issued by any private entity that is licensed or certified, in whole or in part, by the State Department of Health, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Medical Assistance Services, or the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.