Virginia House Bill HB2444

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25

Caption

Voter registration; list of registered voters and persons voting at elections.

Impact

This bill has significant implications for how voter registration data is handled in the state. It outlines who can access voter lists and the purposes for which these lists can be used. By mandating that the data is used strictly for political purposes and not published in searchable formats on the Internet, the bill aims to protect personal information while supporting electoral transparency. Furthermore, it establishes that any recipient of these lists must adhere to strict privacy guidelines, which adds a layer of security for sensitive voter information.

Summary

House Bill 2444 is a piece of legislation aimed at amending sections of the Code of Virginia concerning voter registration, specifying the management and distribution of lists pertaining to registered voters and those who participate in elections. The bill seeks to ensure that voter data is accessible for legitimate political purposes while maintaining privacy protections for individual voters. Under this bill, the Department of Elections is responsible for furnishing lists of registered voters, which can be acquired for political campaigning and organizational efforts aimed at enhancing voter participation.

Contention

The introduction of HB 2444 may elicit contention primarily around issues of data privacy and the accessibility of voter information. While supporters are likely to argue that making voter registration data available is essential for promoting democratic participation and political engagement, detractors may raise concerns about potential misuse of such information or the risk of exposing voters to harassment or intimidation. Furthermore, the bill grants no avenues for broader access beyond those explicitly listed, raising questions about the balance between transparency and privacy in electoral processes.