Public Comments for: HB966 - Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program (SAVE Program); use by Dept. of Elections.
Last Name: Lincoln Locality: Springfield

I write in strong support of HB 966 because it strikes the right balance between using a federal tool to improve the accuracy of Virginia’s voter rolls while keeping Virginia firmly in control of its own data and election system. HB 966 appropriately allows the Department of Elections to use the SAVE system as one input in voter list maintenance—much like other verification tools—rather than treating it as a master gatekeeper over Virginia elections. This helps ensure accuracy without over-relying on a single federal database that was not designed to run state elections. I also support the bill’s prohibition on bulk data uploads. Sending Virginia’s entire voter file to a federal system would unnecessarily expose sensitive personal information and create avoidable cybersecurity and privacy risks. HB 966 instead requires that any SAVE checks be targeted, minimal, and controlled by Virginia officials—an approach that better safeguards our data against misuse, breaches, or mission creep. Virginia already maintains accurate voter rolls through multiple, well-established processes. HB 966 simply adds SAVE as a supplemental check, not a replacement for Virginia’s own procedures, while preventing large-scale data transfers that could compromise voter privacy. In short, HB 966 strengthens public confidence by pairing responsible use of a federal tool with strong state control of Virginia’s election data. For these reasons, I urge you to pass HB 966. Thank you.

Last Name: Lincoln Locality: Springfield

I write in strong support of HB 966 because it strikes the right balance between using a federal tool to improve the accuracy of Virginia’s voter rolls while keeping Virginia firmly in control of its own data and election system. HB 966 appropriately allows the Department of Elections to use the SAVE system as one input in voter list maintenance—much like other verification tools—rather than treating it as a master gatekeeper over Virginia elections. This helps ensure accuracy without over-relying on a single federal database that was not designed to run state elections. I also support the bill’s prohibition on bulk data uploads. Sending Virginia’s entire voter file to a federal system would unnecessarily expose sensitive personal information and create avoidable cybersecurity and privacy risks. HB 966 instead requires that any SAVE checks be targeted, minimal, and controlled by Virginia officials—an approach that better safeguards our data against misuse, breaches, or mission creep. Virginia already maintains accurate voter rolls through multiple, well-established processes. HB 966 simply adds SAVE as a supplemental check, not a replacement for Virginia’s own procedures, while preventing large-scale data transfers that could compromise voter privacy. In short, HB 966 strengthens public confidence by pairing responsible use of a federal tool with strong state control of Virginia’s election data. For these reasons, I urge you to pass HB 966. Thank you.

Last Name: ORourke Organization: Volunteer Indivisible Do Something Alexandria Locality: Alexandria

I write in strong support of HB 966 because it strikes the right balance between using a federal tool to improve the accuracy of Virginia’s voter rolls while keeping Virginia firmly in control of its own data and election system. HB 966 appropriately allows the Department of Elections to use the SAVE system as one input in voter list maintenance—much like other verification tools—rather than treating it as a master gatekeeper over Virginia elections. This helps ensure accuracy without over-relying on a single federal database that was not designed to run state elections. I also support the bill’s prohibition on bulk data uploads. Sending Virginia’s entire voter file to a federal system would unnecessarily expose sensitive personal information and create avoidable cybersecurity and privacy risks. HB 966 instead requires that any SAVE checks be targeted, minimal, and controlled by Virginia officials—an approach that better safeguards our data against misuse, breaches, or mission creep. Virginia already maintains accurate voter rolls through multiple, well-established processes. HB 966 simply adds SAVE as a supplemental check, not a replacement for Virginia’s own procedures, while preventing large-scale data transfers that could compromise voter privacy. In short, HB 966 strengthens public confidence by pairing responsible use of a federal tool with strong state control of Virginia’s election data. For these reasons, I urge you to pass HB 966.

Last Name: Rose Locality: Richmond Henrico

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

Last Name: Wahlstrom Locality: Suffolk

Dear Members of the Virginia Legislative Committee, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 966, a bill concerning the duties of the Department of Elections and the use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program. As a concerned citizen and an electoral board member, election integrity is of paramount importance to my husband and me. We expect our legislators to prioritize fair elections and to support policies that strengthen, rather than hinder, this fundamental democratic process. HB 966 imposes significant limitations on the Department of Elections (ELECT) by restricting the full use of the SAVE Program’s capabilities. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of SAVE for verifying the citizenship status of new voter registrants, limiting its application to voter list maintenance only. This restriction undermines our ability to ensure that only eligible citizens are registered to vote, a critical component of maintaining election integrity. As an electoral board member, I am deeply concerned that this limitation will compromise the accuracy of our voter lists from the outset, creating potential vulnerabilities in our electoral system. Additionally, HB 966 prohibits bulk uploads of data to the SAVE Program, forcing General Registrars to process verifications individually. This cumbersome and inefficient method places an unnecessary burden on our registrars and their staff, who are already tasked with managing complex voter rolls under tight deadlines. I have witnessed firsthand the dedication of our registrars, and I firmly believe they deserve access to the most efficient tools available. The full capability of SAVE, including bulk uploads, would enable us to maintain the most accurate voter list files possible without imposing undue strain on our local election offices. The impact of HB 966 is personal to me and my community. As someone directly involved in the electoral process, I strive to ensure that every election is conducted with the highest standards of fairness and accuracy. This bill hampers my ability to fulfill that responsibility and disregards the voices of citizens like my husband and me, who value robust measures to protect our elections. We urge you to consider the practical challenges this legislation creates for those of us working to uphold the integrity of Virginia’s voting system. In conclusion, I respectfully oppose HB 966 due to its detrimental restrictions on the SAVE Program and the burdens it places on our election officials. Election integrity is a cornerstone of our democracy, and I believe this bill undermines that foundation. Thank you for considering my perspective as you deliberate on this critical matter. Sincerely, Dr. Deborah Wahlstrom

Last Name: Race Organization: Myself and the rest of Virginia that is Northern Va Locality: Halifax Va

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.

Last Name: Rose Organization: Integrity and fairness Locality: Richmond areas

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?

End of Comments