Please vote “No” on this bill. The language of this bill is unreasonably restrictive. The Department of Elections already uses reliable information to match voter registrations with other states, including dates of registration for each state, before determining whether to cancel a voter. Placing the requirement of a “confidence score” of at least 80 percent simply creates confusion and subjectivity to what is otherwise an objective and straightforward process. Without data proving that the existing process results in a significant number of erroneous cancellations, it should be left as is.

If you were in favor of the bill, here are several arguments you might use to support it: Voter Roll Accuracy: The bill aims to ensure that voter rolls are more accurate by requiring better data matching and verification procedures. This could reduce the likelihood of voter fraud by ensuring only eligible voters are on the rolls. Enhanced Data Standards: By setting higher standards for the data used in list maintenance, the bill could lead to more reliable voter lists, reducing errors where ineligible or duplicate registrations might exist. Transparency: The requirement for public access to cancellation records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act increases transparency in how voter registration is managed, fostering public trust in the electoral system. Proactive Notification: The mandate for notification before cancellation gives voters a chance to correct any misinformation or address issues with their registration, potentially preventing legitimate voters from being removed from the rolls inadvertently. Annual Data Review: The obligation to review data sources annually ensures that the Department of Elections continuously improves its processes, adapting to changes in data quality, technology, or voter demographics. Preventing Cross-Jurisdiction Fraud: By prohibiting the use of data from other states or jurisdictions without unique identifiers, the bill aims to prevent fraudulent activities where individuals might try to vote in multiple places. Confidence in Elections: With more accurate voter lists, there's potentially greater public confidence in election outcomes, as the integrity of the voter registration process is upheld more rigorously. Systematic Approach: The bill provides a systematic approach to voter list maintenance, which could lead to more consistent practices across different registrars, reducing variability in how voter records are managed statewide. Legal Clarity: The clarifications and technical amendments in the bill could help in legal contexts, making it clearer how voter registration and cancellation should be handled, potentially reducing legal disputes over voter eligibility. Long-term Benefits: While there might be short-term costs or adjustments, the long-term benefits could include a cleaner voter database, fewer disputes on election day, and potentially lower costs associated with managing voter challenges or recounts due to registration issues. I am Advocating for this bill for the need of integrity, accuracy, and public trust in the electoral system, these enhancements would make elections more secure and fair. Important for modernizing voter management practices to keep pace with current data handling standards and technologies.

The League of Women Voters supports HB 2276, a bill that will improve Virginia’s voter list maintenance activities and go a long way toward preventing incorrect voter purges. Record matching will be more precise, protecting eligible citizens from disenfranchisement while at the same time preventing those who are not eligible from voting in Virginia. The bill codifies, in detail, security and list maintenance procedures that are already in place throughout the Commonwealth. The bill also strengthens record keeping requirements, so that a voter who has been disenfranchised by mistake can find out what happened. Every locality has a security plan in place, subject to annual reconsideration. The Department of Elections’ IT team can assist any locality that needs help in reaching minimum standards. Change of address procedures are already in place, but the bill spells out the standards. This bill should help to rebuild trust in elections. The League urges the Committee to report.