The bill's impact on state laws includes amendments to §24.2-703.1 of the Code of Virginia, which governs absentee voting procedures. By establishing a permanent annual absentee voter list, the bill ensures that voters who want to participate in absentee voting can do so with ease, thus potentially increasing voter turnout. The requirement for voters to submit basic identification information, such as the last four digits of their Social Security number, aims to maintain the integrity of the voting process while facilitating access.
Summary
House Bill 1947, titled 'Annual Absentee Voter List,' aims to streamline the absentee voting process in Virginia. The bill modifies existing legislation by allowing registered voters to submit a special annual application for absentee ballots, making them eligible for all elections during the calendar year. This procedural change is designed to simplify the absentee voting process, ensuring that voters can easily maintain their absentee status and receive the necessary ballots without having to reapply for each election.
Contention
While proponents of HB1947 argue that the bill enhances voting access and simplifies absentee voting, there are concerns regarding voter security and the potential for misuse of the absentee ballot system. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups fear that making absentee ballots more easily accessible could lead to increased opportunities for voter fraud, though evidence of such occurrences remains limited. The discussion surrounding this bill highlighted the balance between making voting more accessible and ensuring the security and integrity of the electoral process.