Bill Update From 1/21
The following bills were voted on in the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee yesterday afternoon, 01/21.
Status: PASSED. This bill will now be sent to the Senate Floor for a vote.
OPPOSE: SB1009 – Ranked Choice Voting Expansion for Localities
Expands ranked choice voting options for all local offices, despite this method of voting being riddled with problems that disenfranchise voters. Currently, any Virginia locality is allowed to use Ranked Choice Voting for City Council and Board of Supervisor elections, but not any other election; we oppose expansion in any form. This bill also requires localities to receive state approval on feasibility before implementation.
Status: PASSED. This bill will now be sent to the Senate Floor for a vote.
OPPOSE: SB760 – Absentee Ballot Receipt Deadline
Changes deadline from noon to 5:00 PM on the third day after Election Day for receiving absentee ballots and for a voter to provide missing information needed to accompany a provisional ballot (like an ID). This change would unnecessarily delay election results, decreasing voter confidence.
Status: PASSED. This bill will now be sent to the Senate Floor for a vote.
OPPOSE: SB813 – Voter List Maintenance Time Frame
Requires certain list maintenance programs that remove ineligible voters to be completed 90 days before any primary or general election, extending the current requirement that certain list maintenance programs (like address updates at large scale) cannot be completed within 90 days before a general election. Because Virginia has frequent elections, this bill proposes changes that would impede voter list accuracy.
Status: This bill was incorporated into SB1072, an identical or similar bill, and did not receive a vote.
SUPPORT: SB856 – Reduces Early Voting to 14 Days
This bill proposes reducing the early absentee voting period in Virginia from 45 days to 14 days before an election. The change ensures that absentee voting remains available but within a more focused timeframe. It also reduces the administrative burden on local election offices, fostering efficient use of resources without compromising access.
Status: This bill was incorporated into SB1070, an identical or similar bill, and did not receive a vote.
SUPPORT: SB764 – Photo ID Requirement for Voting
Requires voters to present photo identification to vote, eliminating the option to use non-photo documents like utility bills or bank statements. Maintains existing security protocols while ensuring all voters have access to required identification.
Status: This bill was KILLED through the motion to pass by indefinitely.
SUPPORT: SB1073 – Social Security Number Verification Process
Requires registrars to verify voter registration information against Social Security Administration records before registering voters. Those with mismatched information get provisional registration status until they provide photo ID or correct information. Takes effect July 1, 2027.
Status: This bill was KILLED through the motion to pass by indefinitely.
SUPPORT: SB1072 – Early Voting Period Reduction
Reduces early voting period from 45 to 14 days before any election while maintaining existing hours through the Saturday before Election Day. Preserves current ID requirements and security measures for in-person absentee voting.
Status: This bill was KILLED through the motion to pass by indefinitely.
SUPPORT: SB1070 – Photo ID Requirement for Voting
This bill requires Virginia voters to show photo ID to vote, eliminating the use of non-photo IDs like utility bills or signed identity statements. Valid forms include government-issued photo IDs, student photo IDs from Virginia schools, or employee IDs. The Department of Elections will provide free voter photo ID cards to those who need them, ensuring election integrity while maintaining ballot access.
Status: PASSED. Next, this bill will be sent to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.
SUPPORT: SB1044 – Election Results Reporting for Absentee and Provisional Ballots
This bill enhances election transparency by requiring new detailed reporting of absentee and provisional ballot results. General registrars must separately report early in-person voting results from other absentee ballots and Election Day voting. Results must be posted no later than 5:00 p.m. on the tenth day after election day, ensuring timely and transparent reporting of all ballot types.
