Absentee voting; permanent absentee voter list repealed.
The proposed bill aims to amend §24.2-701 of the Code of Virginia related to absentee ballot applications. By repealing the permanent absentee voter list, the bill could impact voter turnout among those who find it difficult to vote in person. Supporters of the bill argue that this change could enhance the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that absentee ballots are requested and verified for each election. Conversely, opponents warn that it risks disenfranchising vulnerable populations who may not have the ability or resources to frequently reapply for absentee ballots.
SB834 seeks to repeal the permanent absentee voter list in Virginia, significantly altering the processes surrounding absentee voting. Under current legislation, a person can apply for an absentee ballot and maintain their status on a permanent absentee voter list, which allows them to receive ballots automatically for all future elections. With the repeal proposed in SB834, individuals will no longer have this automatic status and will need to submit applications for absentee ballots separately for each election, potentially complicating the voting process for those who rely on absentee ballots due to various reasons such as health or travel constraints.
The discussions surrounding SB834 highlight a divide between legislators regarding electoral access and security. Proponents of the repeal argue that it addresses concerns of potential voter fraud by reducing the number of automatically sent ballots, whereas critics fear that it places unnecessary burdens on voters, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities. This tension reflects broader national debates on absentee voting and election integrity, which have become increasingly prominent in recent years.