Virginia House Bill HB528

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22
• Report Pass: 2/4/22
• Engrossed: 2/9/22
• Refer: 2/11/22

Caption

Absentee voting; unsolicited absentee ballot applications, required information.

Impact

The bill addresses concerns about unsolicited absentee ballots, which have become a point of contention in recent elections. By requiring clear instructions on the absentee ballot application, the intent is to safeguard voter integrity and reduce the risk of voters submitting applications under false pretenses. Additionally, the bill introduces a Class 4 misdemeanor for violations of the requirements when sending these applications, which emphasizes the seriousness of compliance.

Summary

House Bill 528, introduced in the General Assembly of Virginia, seeks to regulate the sending of unsolicited absentee ballot applications to registered voters. With the amendment to the Code of Virginia in Chapter 7 of Title 24.2, the bill outlines requirements for individuals and organizations sending these applications, mandating that they inform recipients that the applications are not being sent by any state or local government entity. This is to ensure transparency and reduce any possible confusion among voters regarding the origin of the ballot applications.

Contention

Notably, HB528 has sparked debate about the balance between facilitating access to voting and ensuring the security of the electoral process. Supporters argue that these measures are necessary to maintain the sanctity of elections and prevent potential fraudulent activities, while opponents may view them as barriers to voting that could disenfranchise eligible voters. The discussion encapsulates broader issues related to electoral reforms and the degree of regulation required to combat electoral fraud while still promoting voter participation.