HB1003 is a no brainer; I can't believe this notice of polling place changes isn't standard procedure already. Support HB1045 looks great as well, would be a huge step towards making elections more about who has the most popular ideas rather than who can raise the most money. Support HB375 is the main reason I'm commenting; the electoral college is outdated and provides voters in some states with much more power than others. Until the electoral college can be abolished by constitutional amendment, this compact is a great way of ensuring that ALL the people of this country choose its president, not just those in a few swing states. It saddens me to see how many people in the comments on this bill are against this common sense change. Major support SB270 is another no brainer; allowing voters to express their preferences beyond a winner take all system would be a huge win for democracy in the state of Virginia. Support

The League of Women Voters supports HB 1045.  An option for public funds to help finance campaigns, similar to the provision to designate a dollar of federal taxes owed to fund presidential campaigns, will be a meaningful step toward tightening Virginia’s notoriously lax campaign finance laws.   You are aware that Virginia is one of only five U.S. states that allows unlimited contributions of campaign funds and has no restrictions on using campaign funds for personal use.  A League study in 2022 demonstrated the extent to which the lack of campaign finance regulations distorts our democracy by allowing huge gifts from invisible donors, including state-regulated utilities, out-of-state donors, and potentially foreign influencers.  The absence of limits to dollar amounts for contributions exacerbated the problem.  The study cited a poll from the Wason Center at Christopher Newport University in late 2021 showing that 75% of residents support limits on contributions, 78% percent support reducing allowable contributions from large contributors, and 56% favor banning corporate contributions altogether.  The electorate supports saner funding for campaigns, and a public funding option goes a long way toward that objective. The Virginia Public Access Project, VPAP, has demonstrated conclusively that Virginia’s last election was the most expensive on record, with legislative candidates collectively raising $56 million, 43% more than the last election cycle where all 140 General Assembly seats were on the ballot.  It further showed that only one candidate each for the Senate and the House received contributions from small donors ($100 or less), all the rest being 50% or less of their donors, and that contributions from Virginia donors (not otherwise classified as e.g. businesses or political committees) comprised only 18% of contributions to Democratic candidates and 28% to Republican candidates, leading to the inescapable conclusion that big money and outside interests are the tail wagging the Virginia election dog.   We also support the mechanism for funding the program. Instead of using scarce taxpayer dollars, the new Public Campaigns Program would be financed through an optional check off on Virginia taxpayer income tax filings. The League believes that a public financing option for funding electoral campaigns such as HB 1045 will reduce candidates’ reliance on large private donations and donations from vested special interests, which can discourage those without deep-pocketed contacts from running for elected office and limits the expression of the voters’ interests

Public financing of elections: Marcus Simon (HB 1045) BigMoneyOutVA supports this bill which establishes a tried and true mechanism to amplify the voices of our citizens in our elections. Public financing of elections programs have been effective in reducing the influence of large corporate and wealthy donors while encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds to run for public office. The provisions of this bill (small donor progressive match) mirrors some of the successful programs implemented around the country: 14 states and in nearly 40 local jurisdictions. It also-and importantly, uses a creative mechanism for funding the program, rather than using tax-payer dollars, it is financed through an optional check off through the Virginia tax filing. It is a voluntary program of small donor public financing for state elections which and creates a unique incentive for candidates to engage with many supporters. Rather than spending time courting lobbyists, candidates are encouraged to actually talk to voters. …. Something that is supposed to happen in election campaigning. We hope that you pass this bill.