Greetings Members of the Privileges and Elections House Committee. My name is Charlome Pierce and I am a frequent volunteer at precincts in my county for party affiliated and independent candidates. I support House Bill 234 because I believe that those observing the election process should be able to identify who official members of the City's/County's Electoral Board are on election day when they are visiting a precinct. I would also like to state that I am a former member of the Surry County Electoral board, having served as the secretary and a general member. I have worn official credentials provided by our registrar on election day as I visited precincts to check on the election process and to provide support if needed. I have two incidents that I would like to describe. 1. The first incident occurred when the precinct captain for our party and I were setting up a tent the morning of an election day. A member of the Electoral Board approached us when it was still dark. He was rude in his request for us to move the tent from the site. He stated to us that, "We have received complaints about our tent taking up parking spaces." When I asked who "we" was, he stated that as a former member of the Electoral Board, I should know who he was since he was his party's chair when I was on the board. I stated to him that it was dark and that I did not recognize who he was. I also asked if he had credentials from the registrar's office since I was aware that she normally provides something for the board members to wear. He stated that she did not give him anything and handed me his phone with the registrar on the other end. She stated to me that he did not take the credentials and that the other two members had theirs, which was confirmed when they visited the precinct. We certainly moved the tent and had a successful day at the precinct. 2. During the last election, I was inside observing the election process. The same board member came in and began communicating with persons in the precinct who were working. I cannot state if he communicated with any voters. The member from his party asked me who he was. Since we were inside with lighting, I did recognize him. I stated to her that he was one of the members of the Electoral Board and that he represents her party on the board. She stated to me that she did not know who he was and that he should have something that states who he is and that he has an official duty as a member of the Electoral Board. I stated to her that I concur and that this was something that members from different political parties could certainly agree on. As an electoral board member, I have had to address violations of election law with persons working for a particular candidate. I always showed my credentials provided by the registrar so that they would know that I was operating in an official capacity. I also always had the laws with me so that I could share them with the persons if questioned. This is a low-cost legislative yet high impact action that would bring consistency across the Commonwealth. If the credentials are visible, persons would know that they can speak with Electoral Board members when they visit a precinct about concerns regarding the election process, which might be able to be resolved immediately, Thank you for your consideration of this bill and I hope that you will vote in favor of it. Sincerely, Charlome Pierce, Former Electoral Board Member

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.

Oppose Democrats and Socialists forcing gerrymandering in Virginia. We know that the left is trying to get power. We know the illegal aliens are one source for getting democratic votes. What happened to following the Rule of Law in America and following it without causing chaos, lockdowns, destruction, propaganda, riots, censoring, spying, fraudulent schemes, mail in ballots, and other forms of corruption?

I support this bill. It is important for this to be placed into law. I would recommend adding "or anyone designated by the Electoral Board." as some larger localities also use designated officers to ensure every precinct is properly visited.

I am in favor of this bill for several reasons. As a former member of the Surry County Electoral Board, we were provided badges that served as credentials when we went to check on precincts on election day. If we had to address a situation, the persons not only heard what we stated about our position, they could see it as well. On two occasions, I have observed or was engaged in a situation where if the board member had credentials, it would have added a level of professionalism to the situation. 1. I was asked by an electoral board member to move my tent as we were setting up outside of the precinct and outside of the designated prohibited area. It was still dark and as the rude person came to us, he assumed that we knew who he was. He stated that "we" had received complaints about not enough parking and requested that we move to the grass. When I asked who "we" referred to, he suggested that I knew who he was. It was dark and I did not. He then stated that he was the chair of the board. I asked where his badge was and he stated that she did not give him one. When I asked who she was he stated the registrar. I knew this registrar's customs and procedures and when he handed me the phone to speak to her she stated that he did not take his badge with him. 2. In a subsequent election, he entered a precinct and began having conversations with the officials. There were two observers, one from each party. The observer from his party asked me who he was. I stated that he was her representative on the board. She stated to me that he needed credentials so that we would know that he had authority to speak to election officials, etc. I believe that officials of the election, regardless of their role need credentials so that as they are operating in their role, people will know that they have authority to do so. Election day and the activities of that day are vital to our representative government system. There are on site decisions at the precinct such as addressing violations of election rules like handing out illegal sample ballots, politicking within the prohibited area, and election officials providing party or candidate information to votes inside the precinct that need to be addressed. Knowing the officials name and the organization they represent is vital to ensuring that the process is fair to all involved. This is a low budget cost bill with huge positive impact. Hopefully the explicit examples provide evidence of the need.

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.