The League of Women Voters supports HB162. The League believes that a public financing option for funding electoral campaigns reduces candidates’ reliance on large private donations and donations from vested special interests. A public funding option for campaign finance gives qualified individuals who don’t have deep pockets, or friends with deep pockets, more incentive to run for elected office, and increases the electorate’s opportunities to evaluate candidates on their merits and not just from paid advertisements. HB162 will give localities that wish to provide a public funding option for certain local elections the opportunity to do so via local ordinance.

I am opposed to any all bill that make it easier to cheat in elections like these bills being presented. I am opposed to any and all bills that make same sex marriage acceptable. I am opposed to any and all bills that allow full term abortion and allow minors to have abortions with out the parents knowledge. I am opposed to any and all bills that would allow minors to undergo transgender surgery . I am opposed to any and all bills that will raise taxes while the politicians are trying to give themselves a 150% increase no that is not acceptable.

The League of Women Voters supports HB44. Requiring electronic filing of all campaign expenditure reports is a significant step toward promoting transparency and making campaign funding information more easily accessible to the electorate, in the ability both to access the reports and to analyze the information they contain. The League of Women Voters supports HB162. The League believes that a public financing option for funding electoral campaigns reduces candidates’ reliance on large private donations and donations from vested special interests. A public funding option for campaign finance gives qualified individuals who don’t have deep pockets, or friends with deep pockets, more incentive to run for elected office, and increases the electorate’s opportunities to evaluate candidates on their merits and not just from paid advertisements. HB162 will give localities that wish to provide a public funding option for certain local elections the opportunity to do so via local ordinance. The League of Women Voters of Virginia supports the proposed Constitutional Amendment to restore the rights, including the right to vote, to those released from incarceration due to felony convictions, and those who, regardless of guardianship status, do have the capacity to understand the act of voting. The League also urges you to approve this implementing legislation, HB963. Democracy is most representative when everyone has a voice, and thus voting should be protected in our state Constitution. Only two or three states permanently disenfranchise individuals who have felony convictions. At present, it is estimated that many thousands of eligible people are still disenfranchised in Virginia, with a disproportionate effect on minority and lower income Virginians. People whose incarceration has ended should not be penalized for life without the vote. Everyone deserves a second chance. With respect to any citizen subject to adjudication of capacity, it is imperative that the court make an individualized determination as to the person’s capacity to understand the act of voting. Voter registrars have frequently lacked clear guidance from the court and, as a consequence, have disenfranchised citizens who should have the right to vote, because those citizens understand what it means to vote, know how to do it, and they wish to do it. If this resolution passes, the voters of Virginia would have an opportunity to voice their support or opposition at the ballot box in November. We approve the text of the resolution and urge the Committee to vote in favor.

Comments Document

Good afternoon, Mr. Chair and members of the committee. My name is Edwuan Whitehead, and I’m here to speak in support of House Bill 162, which authorizes counties and cities to establish voluntary systems of public campaign financing for local offices. At its core, HB 162 is about local choice, fairness, and democratic access. The bill does not mandate public financing. It simply gives local governments the option to design a system that fits their community, with clear guardrails and state oversight. For too many Virginians, especially working families, young people, and first-time candidates, running for local office is financially out of reach. The result is a system where money—not ideas, service, or community trust—too often determines who can run and who can win. HB 162 begins to rebalance that equation. This bill is carefully drafted. Participation is strictly voluntary. Candidates who opt in face clear restrictions on fundraising and spending, ensuring transparency and accountability. Funds are limited to local races only, administered by local treasurers, and subject to oversight by the State Board of Elections to ensure compliance with state law. Just as important, HB 162 respects local autonomy. What works in one city may not work in another. This bill empowers local governing bodies to decide whether public financing makes sense for their communities—nothing more, nothing less. Public campaign financing has been shown, in other states and cities, to broaden candidate pools, reduce the influence of big donors, and increase public trust in local government. Virginians deserve the option to pursue those benefits at the local level. HB 162 does not weaken democracy. It strengthens it—by making participation more accessible, elections more competitive, and government more representative. I respectfully urge you to support House Bill 162. Thank you.

HB162 - fraud, waste, abuse and Hatch Act violations. Too much danger of abuse. HB89 - Electronic means = abuse and fraud. Other countries don't have this because of fraud.

The League of Women Voters supports HB44. Requiring electronic filing of all campaign expenditure reports is a significant step toward promoting transparency and making campaign funding information more easily accessible to the electorate, in the ability both to access the reports and to analyze the information they contain. The League of Women Voters also supports HB162. The League believes that a public financing option for funding electoral campaigns reduces candidates’ reliance on large private donations and donations from vested special interests. A public funding option for campaign finance gives qualified individuals who don’t have deep pockets, or friends with deep pockets, more incentive to run for elected office, and increases the electorate’s opportunities to evaluate candidates on their merits and not just from paid advertisements. HB162 will give localities that wish to provide a public funding option for certain local elections the opportunity to do so via local ordinance.

With respect to HB111, I object that the language never says that the "person" being discussed needs to be a citizen. With respect to HB162, I object that there is no language or reference to other law that limits who may contribute to public funds. Is there some limitation on that elsewhere in the law?

I stand against abortion in this state and any abilities for election fraud!

My husband and I are extremely concerned about proposed abortion bills and legislation. We have lived in this state for many years and never dreamed of these bills moving forward and are aghast at the thought of it. We are vehemently opposed to any such passage of abortion and whole heartedly in favor of preserving and protecting all life espeically of the most vulnerable unborn life that all science now admits. Please say "no" to such bills.