I support this bill and ask this Committee to report the bill to the floor for a vote. The systematic purge that Virginia conducted of supposed "non-citizens" in 2024 was dramatic and harsh. Thousands were "caught up" in this action - many of them were, indeed, citizens of the U.S. and should not have had their voting rights stricken. Extending the deadline for response from 14 to 28 days is also reasonable - especially in this time when the reliability of the US Postal Service is uncertain.

UpVote Virginia supports HB1657 and encourages this committee to do the same. Imposing a 90 day quiet period on removing voters from the rolls allows time for recourse, should that removal be a mistake. This bill would align Virginia law with existing federal law, which also prevents confusion and accidental disenfranchisement of eligible voters.

Please vote “NO” on this bill. With Virginia’s frequent elections, the provisions would unduly restrict necessary voter roll maintenance to just a few weeks a year. The Department of Elections has a difficult time properly maintaining voter rolls with the current blackout periods required by the NVRA. This bill would create an even greater crisis of confidence in our elections.

Please oppose HB1657. With Virginia's frequent elections, expanding the quiet period to all elections will inhibit critical voter list maintenance processes. For equitable elections and to protect every vote please vote no on HB1657.