I strongly support the requirement for a photo ID for voter registration and voting (HB46) This is a common sense, no hassle safeguard to defeat fraud. Similarly, we should ELIMINATE same day registration (HB185). There is simply no way to instantaneously verify that a person is who they claim to be. Furthermore, this imposes a huge, unnecessary burden on election officials or those who may be tasked with a forensic audit, etc. I support the reduction of the early voting period (HB39). Two weeks is adequate for those who must be out of town on business, etc. I support limitations on large amounts of outside funding (HB 205). American elections SHOULD NOT be for sale. As a retired Marine officer and current elections official, I am astounded that sober politicians persist in trying to subvert the Constitution (to which they took an oath) and enable voter fraud through the practices as listed above, as well as ballot harvesting and use of unsecured drop boxes! Through its lack of good judgment and integrity, persons on the Loudoun County School Board have already made us a nationally known laughingstock. Let's pray that similarly minded people in the State Senate DON'T expand our shame by opening our election processes open to rampant fraud.

I'm a Virginian in favor of safeguarding the election process. Since I am an Arlington county election officer, I know that preventing election fraud requires voters to be citizens verifiable by free voter ID and a verifiable pre-election day registration process. 14 days is plenty of time to vote. Same day voter registration is wrong because there is no way to verify eligibility and identity. The 45 day election season is an expensive use of taxpayer dollars for election operations. The longer election period provides greater opportunity for fraud and abuse by felons, identity thieves, or illegal inhabitants. It also is burdensome to unpaid poll watchers and other election operations volunteers. Increased demands on the postal service to deliver absentee ballots is asking for chaos and mass disenfranchisement. Election results will take longer to tabulate if there is a massive amount of mail-in voting. Absentee ballots make it much easier to forge a signature, impersonate a voter, or buy a vote in the privacy of one’s home than it is in a voting booth at the polls where oversight occurs. These are common sense election procedures.

I support HB 46. Preventing election fraud requires voters to be citizens verifiable by free voter ID and a verifiable pre election day registration process.

Providing a photo identification is a common expectation to participate is the most mundane aspects of societal life, such as to buy alcohol, cigarettes, board an airplane, go to the doctor, register children into schools, get a library card, work for any employer, and of course to drive a car. Voting is a privilege granted to citizens and residents of VA. Requiring a photo ID is not burdensome and should be expected. I've worked as an election official. At no time during early voting or on election day did any voters complain about showing their ID. Polling shows that the vast majority of Americans want photo identification requirements in order to receive a ballot. Support HB46!

Please move to report HB68, HB46, HB1082.

I am opposed to the portion of HB 46 that eliminates the permanent absentee voter list. It's a relatively small number of voters who use this process and most have a disability or mobility issue. Requiring them to submit a request for each election is an undue and unnecessary hardship. Please do not institute this provision and make life harder for people who already have to deal with challenges.

Please vote yes on HB46. I helped recruit election officers and poll watchers for last year’s November elections and 45 days of early voting is crazy! Now 21 days is still a lot but it’s much better. This ridiculous early voting month and a half is costing local registrars offices MILLIONS and cannot be maintained. This early voting for a month and a half HAS GOT TO GO! Thank you.

Distinguished Committee, I am writing in support of a YES vote on House Bill 46. I’ve been an election official ever since I became a citizen. Working in the last 2 elections felt like a slap in the face. Here I am getting up at 4 am, having arranged childcare for 17 hrs for my kids (single mom), forfeiting my income for the day, to support the democratic process, and I have to let people cast a ballot w/o an ID! Once a ballot is cast, you can never find it again. Thus dishonest people are protected and honest citizens' vote is diluted. By allowing people w/o ID to cast a PROVISIONAL ballot instead all interest are protected. This makes the situation as inclusive as possible (anybody who has a right to vote can vote, even w/o an ID, and can verify their status later) and as honest as possible (people who did not have a right to vote will not be able to verify their status later). Thus, all citizens are protect, nobody is disenfranchised, and nobody’s vote is diluted. A No vote is not a vote to protect immigrants, I am perfectly able to get an ID, it’s a vote to protect the ability of those who want to commit fraud, to do so. Please vote YES. Sincerely, c.l.

Please uphold the integrity of our elections and require Photo ID in order to vote. I'm in favor of HB46.

My name is Michael Rivera and I live in Leesburg Virginia. I am the minority that many people talk about like I am not in the room. My parents were born in Puerto Rico, I was born in the United States. I have had an ID since I was 14 years old despite growing up poor and my father not being able to speak English. It is incredibly insulting for anyone to declare that requiring a voter ID is a significant obstacle for black and brown people as if somehow your color determines your intellectual capacity. We are currently requiring cell phone apps and vaccine passports for people to eat with their families yet it’s somehow a burden to require an ID to exercise the most valuable and sacred right of being an American citizen. It is unfathomable to me how any elected politician can vote not to this bill and say that they are upholding their oath to protect and defend the constitution. Please vote YES on HB46

I work help desk in my local precinct. I can't believe the number of voters that come in to vote only to find out that they have been issued an absentee ballot. They don't know where the ballot is, did not request it and can't understand why they either have to come up with the absentee ballot or vote provisional. Oh yes, they understand provisional and want no part of it. REPEAL THE PERMANENT ABSENTEE VOTER LIST NOW!! This is a no brainer that we should all be able to agree on!! JWV

Eliminating barriers to voting is important. It is unnecessary and unhelpful to require a photo ID or make it more challenging to vote absentee.

I have worked the polls as both an elections officier and a poll watcher. I have sat in on Dept of Elections meetings- i have seen and learned much. I am very concerned about the ability of fraud to infiltrate pur election processes. These things ate mandatory to improve them: Voter ID; mandatory and proper id with photo like your drivers license.. PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP. Repeal the permanent absentee voter list; Ballots should be received by the close of polls on election day; NO SAME-DAY REGISTRATION. Demand CLEAN VOTER ROLLS. Demand audits- regularly. In every aspect of the process.

I work as a check in officer in my local precinct. Of the people that walk in and vote on election day, virtually all voters expect to present a picture ID. The vast majority present a drivers license. Case and point: Voters expect to present a picture ID to vote and do not complain. The NO ID requirement seems to be a legislative requirement! Stick to Election Integrity and require picture ID. JWV

Please move to report HJ9, HB130, HB605, HJ57, HB46, HB305, HB1102. Thank you.

We the people have right to vote and assure the vote is fair and represents the legal voters intent. This can only be done if the voters present picture ID proving they are who they claim to be. This is a reasonable expectation. As an election official - 100% of those voting at my precinct had picture ID. NO One claimed they were unable to obtain an ID. NO ONE

Correcting our laws so that a Photo ID is a requirement to vote is hugely important. Polling shows that over +75% of the nation agrees with that sentiment and we need to return Virginia to this standard to allow voting. We cannot allow people to appear before an election official with no photo identification and expect to be able to vote - our most precious privilege. As adults, we must show a photo ID, usually in the form of a driver's license, to enable us to do many things - buy alcohol, cash a check, deposit cash into a bank account, board a plane. We need to apply the same standard for these everyday actions to voting as well. The possibly for fraudulent voting is exponentially increased if voters are not required to show a photo ID. We must restore this standard to our voting processes if we are ever to restore public confidence in our election processes. Requiring a photo ID to vote will go a long way in increasing election integrity. We need to remove the option of registering to vote coincident with voting itself. Citizens must accept voting for the privilege and responsibility that it is - register ahead of time, inform themselves about the candidates and the issues, and show up in person and vote. We cannot allow arbitrary "conveniences" to supersede responsibility. Ballots must be received by Election Day. Voters must be responsible enough when requesting and mailing in Absentee Ballots to ensure they are received by Election Day. Similar to pre-registering and showing a photo ID, voters need to accept voting as the right and responsibility that it is. Voters should be responsible enough to be mindful of Election Day to request and return their ballots by the close of voting. Lastly, we must make voters request a ballot EACH TIME they need to vote absentee - voters should not be placed on a "forever" absentee ballot list to receive an absentee ballot. They should have to request a ballot for each election and there should be only a few acceptable allowable reasons for voting absentee - e.g., military, diplomatic, and ex-patriots living and working abroad should be able to request a mail-in absentee ballot. We need to do all we can to remove the possible causes of voter fraud and expect citizens to step up to their responsibilities for voting. Many of our laws were hastily changed due to transmission concerns surrounding COVID. Those laws need to be revoked and we should return to previous voting standards and protocols to reinstate voter integrity and voter confidence.

This selecting a "pronoun" is totall unacceptable. We know what we are and identify by our name or gender, which is only male" or "female." This other type of identification is total BS.

Please uphold election integrity and vote in favor of HB 46. THANK YOU!

Voter ID required, limit mail in ballots, no drop boxes, cutoff for registration to vote 2 -3 weeks prior, citizens only, clean voter registration polls weekly, modify length of residency to qualify to register

I just want to express my support for Del. Ware's HB46 bill to restore some pre-pandemic rationality to the election processes. Loosening up voter integrity laws does nothing but promote irregularities. There was nothing wrong with the laws that existed before the Democrats promoted relaxing these laws in order to introduce corruption. Thank you, RJ Hall Leesburg

We must restore confidence in our electoral process. As an Election Officer for Loudoun County, I support mandatory voter ID with pictures; limited absentee balloting and certainly no permanent absentee ballot list; no same day registration; and no drop boxes. Furthermore, all ballots must be received by the close of the polls on election day or they don’t count. Finally, we must reduce the length of early voting from 45 days to two weeks.

I am in FAVOR of HB46 for the following is NEEDED: Voter ID; Repeal the permanent absentee voter list; Ballots should be received by the close of polls on election day; NO SAME-DAY REGISTRATION!!! Thank you

I am providing feedback on HB46, HB121, HB1109. HB1101. As a Virginia resident I am in favor of the following election integrity initiatives: voter ID with a photograph, against same-day voter registration, ballots should be received by the close of polls on election day, and repeal the permanent absentee voter list.

Good morning Mr. Chairman, I am speaking in favor of HB46 by Delegate Lee Ware. My name is Srilekha Palle. I am an immigrant and have been living in the United States for over 2 decades. I am a mom, health care professional and active member of my diverse community. I migrated to United States looking for true democracy and I strongly believe that election integrity is the heart and soul of our democracy Without Election Integrity, We the People do not trust the process and Trust is the foundation of this great nation. I cannot fathom going anywhere and doing anything in the US without a valid photo ID. For that matter this statement is quite accurate in all the democratic counties in the world. When I am asked to show my driver's ID in every aspect of my life all day, why does showing a valid ID become an issue only when it comes to voting?. What stops an illegal immigrant fraudulently voting for a legal immigrant like me due to lack of ID requirement? How can you let people vote with a utility bill? Where is the picture to verify that it is you who you say you are? As a person of color and a woman, it is beyond me to understand why politicians consider this as racist. When a government official asks me to show my ID, I would never think it's racist. In fact it is the other way around. I consider it as a racist if the official assumes that just because I am a woman of color, I am incapable of procuring an ID for myself. When I am asked to show my ID, it instills confidence in me that they are protecting my individual identification. · . I am the Vice chair of our party elections; It is quite challenging to carry on the operations that start the early voting onwards 45 days. I would urge you to consider 7 days vs 45 days of early voting as 45 days of early voting is expensive and unnecessary. I would end by saying that A voter ID requirement can help prevent accidental voting at the wrong location, impersonation fraud, and unintentional inaccuracies in the voting record and voter roll. · I urge you as the Virginia legislature and Governor Youngkin to take action to protect our election integrity, especially, the election in 2022 and put trust back among people Thank you very much With Regards Srilekha Palle

Please vote in favor of HB 46. It is the sworn duty of all legislators to ensure that all registered voters in the Commonwealth of Virginia receive a fair election. Providing a valid driver's license or other valid identification with a photograph will be a good START at ensuring a valid vote. Our voting regulations have to be shored up in order for Virginians to regain faith in our election integrity, something we do not currently have. Republicans and Democrats alike should not only be WILLING, but should DEMAND that we do everything possible to see that our elections are fair and only true registered voters cast a ballot. If there is even ONE elected legislator who doesn't believe this, then he/she should be kicked out of office immediately by his/her constituents. Legislators are elected and paid to work for the benefit of his/her constituents; not to benefit him or herself.

Please vote YES on HB46 requiring voter identification containing a photograph. As an female who serves as an Election Official, I can attest to the positive comments I heard repeatedly while checking voters in to vote that we verify their ID prior to them receiving a ballot. Everyone presented a driver's license without even being asked to. Requiring a photo ID is basic and should be required for participating in our most sacred duty as a citizen, voting. This is not discriminatory in any way.

The Virginia State Conference NAACP opposes this legislation and other bill that would create barriers to the voting process. This bill would roll back reforms created recently by the general assembly. We call on members of this committee to reject this HB46.

I am an Election Official and fully support HB46 and ask you to vote yes . Showing a picture ID is essential to protect everyone from someone else casting an illegal vote posing as that citizen. Even when we ask someone to state their name & address to check out voter roll registry, citizens gladly produce their drivers license to us. Anybody can steal a piece of mail or make up a dummy bill to present if they are trying to cast a vote using someone else’s identity. Especially with voter history being readily online, it is too easy without a picture ID to cast a vote for a “seldom” but registered voter and I have witnessed this myself, that a woman came to vote and someone beat her to the polls and cast a vote in her name just because they stated the correct name & address! Please support this bill and vote “yes” on HB46 voter ID.

I am 100% in favor of HB46. This bill does nothing to make it harder for eligible citizens to vote. It just makes it harder to cheat. Many say there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Virginia, but that is not the issue. Any voter fraud is too much voter fraud. Let me assure you that there is evidence of voter fraud and it is reported by the local registrars. Whether it is prosecuted depends entirely on the local Commonwealth's Attorney. As a Chief Election Officer for many years, I’ve seen many instances of voters trying to cheat. Due to a well trained and impartial staff of Election Officers we have thwarted most of their attempts. The ID Confirmation (or “I am who I say I am) form is “enforced” by a felony charge. But I ask you to provide me with any way that a person can ever be found and charged with a felony. They don’t put their truthful information on the form, so there is absolutely no way to find them. Of course, I’m sure the legislators that came up with that bill, were well aware of that fact. Photo ID is required for almost everything. Doctor’s visits Emergency room visits Check cashing Certain purchases Certain transportation Renting a residence Getting a job Getting Covid-19 vaccine Library Picking up mail at the post office And on and on….. It is not difficult nor expensive to obtain a picture ID. In Virginia the Office of the General Registrar in each locality must provide citizens with a picture ID. Also, 45 day early voting is ridiculous. In the spring if 2021 primary election, we had fewer than 20 voters per day for the first three weeks. It gradually increased and on the next to last day of early voting we had approximately 85 voters and we finally went barely over 100 on the last day. Paying 10-12 election officials $125/day and the chief $150/day was extremely expensive. And this is only one of hundreds (thousands?) of locations state wide. And that’s just the cost for election officials. Of course the state doesn’t care because the localities pay the largest portion of the cost. I feel that one week early voting in primaries and 2-3 weeks in the general election is more than enough. Please consider these issues when voting on HB46.

I support photo identification for voting. As an election officer who checks voters in during both early voting and on Election Day, almost everyone who comes in to vote in-person, wants to show a photo ID. I have yet to see anyone complain about needing to show an ID. I guarantee that the number of persons who go to vote and find that they are listed as having already voted exceeds the number of persons who want to vote without photo identification.

Comments Document

I speak from experience as a Election Officer in the 2021 election. I became involved in the election system to give myself peace of mind that our elections are fair and secure, and this is my largest concern/issue. Without a unique photo identification for comparison to the person voting, the election officers at the voting precinct are left with only a name, and an address to verify the identity of the voter. If the voter has an illegal intent to vote for someone else, they need only remember the name and address of a person they know to be a registered voter. If the ballot they cast is provisional, then only a name and a passing signature which is not difficult to mimic in this digital age. Regurgitating names, address', and mimicking signatures are not a strong enough guard against willfully fraudulent voters anymore. Photo identifications can be obtained easily from many sources at zero cost that are on the list of accepted forms of ID. While many different forms of identification are acceptable IAW Virginia's current Voter ID requirements (See included PDF attachment below), Some forms of ID currently accepted can be stolen from mailboxes, picked up from trash, or harvested from unsecure locations, or simply given to another person who is willing to cast a vote in their place, such as a friend or family member. Legally, I can "prove" my identity to vote with a water or electric bill. Not requiring picture ID removes the last line of defense available to election officers who are there to work for the State, guarding against fraudulent voting. This is unacceptable and I believe Virginia does itself a great disservice by allowing same day registration, and the ability to vote without picture ID's. I support Voter ID with a photo 100%.

I strongly support this bill. Verifying and maintaining the integrity of our elections is one of, if not the most important functions of legitimate government. If there are actual issues with localities or communities that need better access to obtain legitimate ID's, those can and should be addressed separately and not handled by reducing or removing safeguards on the election process. Likewise issues for voter access to absentee ballots, or early voting locations can be addressed without hampering election security, chain of custody or election data integrity.

Hi, I am Sami Watson, Field Coordinator with Hamkae Center. We work with Asian American voters across the state and we oppose House Bill 46. Many Americans do not have a valid photo ID, and research has shown that restrictive identification requirements disproportionately impact elderly, minority, and low-income voters. Despite being the fastest growing ethnic voting bloc in the state and the country, AAPI voters may be deterred from casting a ballot due to the cost and time needed to acquire a valid photo ID in order to vote. Acceptable ID should include other forms of non-photo identification and voters should be able to cast a regular ballot by signing an ID confirmation statement, subject to felony penalty. Thank you.

Election Integrity guarantees our voice is heard and the we can trust the system. It is foundational to the backbone of this country. It has been my astonishing revelation that this most SACRED of all abilities - believed to be held UP- in such esteem and REVERENCE yet in reality is trampled upon, disrespected and disgraced , given away with no value whatsoever in order to game the system. It is totally and completely unprotected. IT is UNTRUE. This reminds me of the snake oil salesmen who came into towns in the early days selling fakery and un-truths. As the American people come learn the truth - it IS happening now folks, make no mistake, they will ask the leadership to answer for this'd hold you accountable for this bait and switch. WE need real election integrity for LEGAL CITIZENS ONLY. WE NEED PRISTINELY CLEAN VOTER ROLLS. Here is the list of what we must do to repair and restore the trust of the American People. Establish laws enabling forensic audits and voter canvass Repeal same day voter registration Repeal no voter identification Repeal the permanent absentee ballot list Repeal no-excuse AB Repeal 3rd party mailing of AB Repeal ballot harvesting Eliminate AB drop boxes. We also want 1 day of voting, but anything less than 45 days would be better than nothing. Do not accept AB after Election DAY. Repeal pre-registration of 16 year olds Repeal automatic voter registration by DMV Please vote appropriately on ALL bills in support of these goals. Angela Boyer Great Falls Va 22066

I raised my hand to speak in favor of this bill as did other speakers on the Zoom. We were elevated to be able to speak but were never called on and our presence was ignored by the person overseeing the Zoom, the Chair did not call for comments to be shutdown, we were simply ignored while others were allowed to speak. Please correct this in the future. Thank you

Good Morning, My name is Melody Clarke and I am in favor of HB46 by Del. Ware. My mother was a naturalized citizen who was very proud to be an American. She learned our Constitution and instilled her pride for our nation and our laws in me when I was a child. If you love our great Virginia as I do, please support Del. Ware and HB46 because Voter ID laws don’t “suppress” anyone’s vote. Among a variety of minority groups and political affiliations, no significant change in turnout occurred after voter ID laws went into effect. The simple reality is, election fraud often goes undetected; even when it is discovered, investigators and prosecutors often opt to take no action. I am happy to submit both the National Bureau of Economic research and the Heritage study into the record. This latest study echoes the conclusion of others, finding that voter ID laws don’t reduce voter turnout, including among African-Americans and Hispanics. These voters were just as likely to vote in states requiring photo identification as in those that don’t. It is just common sense to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat. I appreciate Del. Ware recognizing this and urge you to show all of Virginia that you care too and vote in favor of HB46. Thank you Here are the pertinent links for my comments and the study https://www.heritage.org/election-integrity/commentary/new-study-confirms-voter-id-laws-dont-hurt-election-turnout https://www.nber.org/papers/w25522

Since there has never been any significant fraud in Virginia elections, we should keep and expand measures that make it easier for all of our citizens to participate the the most sacred of our democratic rights. There is no reason to make access to the ballot box tougher. We need to keep early voting, mail-in ballots, drop boxes, and enough polling places so there are not unreasonable wait times. The more citizens included in this process the stronger their involvement and commitment to their community, state, and nation.

Election Integrity depends on 3 primary things: REAL VOTER ID, the ELIMINATION OF VOTER DROP BOXES and NO ABSENTEE BALLOTS TO BE USED w/ THE exception for military assignments out of state or country.

SOLUTION IN SEARCH OF A PROBLEM - Please Reject Confidence that our elections are fair is important. This is the paradox, though: raising alarms about election security, EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF CHEATING, is what undermines that confidence. Until you've made the case that there are people voting who shouldn't, or that there is cheating or foul play going on, there is no reason to make it harder to vote, which is what this bill does. We ALL benefit from widespread participation in elections. Making it less convenient and more expensive for people to vote is wrong. Please reject this bill. Thank you.

I support the following: 1) a decreased time-frame for voting from 45 Days to 1 week (7 days), 2) mandating that all voters must present a photo ID, and 3) repealing the provisions of law by which any registered voter may apply to receive absentee ballot for absentia

The VA State Conference doesn't support any voter suppression bills that cause barriers to vote. HB 24 46 185 187 544 780 944 941 942 1090

As a Virginia resident, I am opposed to all of the proposed bills for this session. I am concerned that the restrictions may further challenge low-income Virginians’ ability to participate in elections. Thank you for your consideration.

Please oppose HB24, HB46, and HB185. We should be supporting legislation that expands access to voting and creates a stronger democracy. We all benefit when more people are able to vote and have a direct influence in our democratic process. Requiring photo IDs and limiting same-day voter registration limit participation in our democratic process and do not make our elections more secure.

Comments Document

I am speaking in favor of HB46 by Delegate Lee Ware. My name is Kun Wang and Thirty-two years ago, I came to US from China for the Democratic Constitutionalism and religious freedom we have here in America that I did not have in my country. What make US special among all nations and attract millions of immigrants from all the world? To me, it is Democracy and Constitution. Election integrity is the foundation of Democracy. Without Election Integrity, Congress and the government do not have the trust of the people, therefore, we will lose the United States of America. Because of my love for this country, I was a first-time election officer last year. I was shocked by what I learned and cannot understand why anyone who cares for Virginia would not be in favor of requiring a valid photo ID. As an IT professional and Christian, I have following concerns regarding the election integrity in Virginia: 1. In Virginia, you can vote with an expired driver’s license, a student ID without a valid date or even just with a utility bill. What does that mean? It means the dead people can vote; non-residents can vote; and a young guy can vote for a 90-year-old grandma; and one-person, multiple votes. When boarding a flight, I need to show my driver’s license and have the photo matching with myself. How come we let people vote with a utility bill? It means politicians don’t care about the election integrity, which we the citizens care most about. 2. Name matching and address matching do not matter in Virginia now. As an election officer, I asked voters for their name and address. When the address not matching, we let them vote. When names not matching, for example, middle name mismatching, chief said, that was ok too. Without election integrity, we will lose our democracy and constitutionalism, consequently, lose our religious freedom. I urge you as the Virginia legislature and Governor Youngkin to take action to protect our election integrity, especially, the election in 2022 and put trust back among people. Thank you for taking my testimony. Kun Wang Fairfax, VA

Voting is a right guaranteed to all citizens. Unless ID's to be used for voting are provided easily and free to all eligible voters, voter ID requirements amount to voter suppression. There is no discernible voter fraud in any Virginia elections that would be addressed by these voter ID laws.

Virginia enacted several new voting laws in 2020 and 2021 to make voting more accessible during the pandemic. Early in-person voting hours were increased, mail-in absentee ballots no longer required a witness signature, more drop-box locations were available. These changes led to record voter turnout (with insignificant fraud) in both the 2020 presidential election and the 2021 gubernatorial election. Therefore I oppose any new bill that would restrict our rights to accessible voting.

Do not conflate privileges with rights. It is a privilege to drive, not a right. It also costs a lot of money to become a legal licensed driver. It should not cost any money to exercise a right. There are many citizens in our country who do not need a photo ID because their lives do not center around travel or activities that require an age verification like drinking alcohol. That said, I am not anti-photo ID. Satisfy the following conditions and you can have photo ID: All citizens receive a free citizenship photo ID upon turning 18 or being naturalized. These IDs are available for replacement in every local area that has a Walmart and Dollar General meaning it's as easy to get to as your corner store. This is how vaccination cards work. Getting a Covid-19 vaccination is easy and free and widely available. Make photo identification the same. We will support photo IDs for exercising our right to vote when they are free to citizens and widely available. Until then, voter identification fraud is so infinitesimal that it is statistically insignificant compared to the statistically significant percentage of people that will be disenfranchised for not having a photo ID.

Regarding HB1090, HB942, HB544, HB46, HB24, and HB121 = these voter id bills are actually unnecessary. There is no evidence that people are committing voter fraud on any meaningful scale, even in local elections. Voter ID laws can potentially deprive potential voters of their right to vote and/or reduce participation in local elections. As a conservative, I believe these kinds of laws are actually antithetical to what our country needs to be doing to increase civic participation. People like me have been forced to fill out provisional ballots in prior elections because it takes a while to get a govt photo ID and I know the cost can be prohibitive to people who don't think it's important. We should be making voting as reasonably easy and as low-cost as possible, and we should stop changing laws relating to voter ID and such so much because it can be confusing if this happens every other year. Thank you.

Voting is a constitutional right. Any law that restricts rather than expands our constitutional right & DUTY to vote is simply voter suppression. We must not repeal any expansions of absentee ballots. Do not decrease early voting. - extend the number of days allowed. Do not eliminate any ballot box locations- expand. We have no need to re-register absentee ballots every year. No excuse absentee voting is absolutely crucial. The state must provide easy and free access to voter ID if a photo is required. Since the USPS has slowed considerably, we must keep the 3 day rule for receiving ballots after election day. All local elections must be on Election Day (in Nov). Election Day should be a holiday. Until we do a complete overhaul of campaign finance & eliminate dark money/special interests there must be no restrictions on outreach, education & registration or from where a candidate may collect funds. Voter registration up to and including Election Day is absolutely crucial to ensure all citizens vote. I support all bills expanding our rights and abilities to make voting as easy as possible. I oppose all bills attempting to restrict any access to our ballot and our vote. The process is too important for the elected officials to be able to restrict us from our duty to be informed voters. Keep expanding our rights. Do not restrict, suppress or subvert them.

I oppose HB1090, HB121, HB24, HB46, and HB942, all requiring a photo ID to vote. This is completely unnecessary and serves only to make it more difficult to cast a ballot in the commonwealth. HB1090 in particular is absolutely disgraceful. It would strike current provisions of the law allowing voters with certain disabilities who require assistance in voting to be provided that assistance.

Please move to report HB68, HB46, HB1082.

Virginia enacted several new voting laws in 2020 and 2021 to make voting more accessible during the pandemic. Early in-person voting hours were increased, mail-in absentee ballots no longer required a witness signature, more drop-box locations were available. These changes led to record voter turnout (with insignificant fraud) in both the 2020 presidential election and the 2021 gubernatorial election. Therefore I oppose any new bill that would restrict our rights to accessible voting.

Voting is a constitutional right. Any law that restricts rather than expands our constitutional right & DUTY to vote is simply voter suppression. We must not repeal any expansions of absentee ballots. Do not decrease early voting. - extend the number of days allowed. Do not eliminate any ballot box locations- expand. We have no need to re-register absentee ballots every year. No excuse absentee voting is absolutely crucial. The state must provide easy and free access to voter ID if a photo is required. Since the USPS has slowed considerably, we must keep the 3 day rule for receiving ballots after election day. All local elections must be on Election Day (in Nov). Election Day should be a holiday. Until we do a complete overhaul of campaign finance & eliminate dark money/special interests there must be no restrictions on outreach, education & registration or from where a candidate may collect funds. Voter registration up to and including Election Day is absolutely crucial to ensure all citizens vote. I support all bills expanding our rights and abilities to make voting as easy as possible. I oppose all bills attempting to restrict any access to our ballot and our vote. The process is too important for the elected officials to be able to restrict us from our duty to be informed voters. Keep expanding our rights. Do not restrict, suppress or subvert them.

I am opposed to 2 provisions of this bill. The first is (vii) which requires that audits of ballot scanner machines must take place prior to the certification of election results. I don't believe this is necessary. Each scanner is tested before the election. If a scanner malfunctions on election day an audit would be appropriate. Further, I'm not sure the audits can be completed before certification in larger jurisdictions and the law doesn't explain what happens if that process is not completed before certification date. Finally, if the election margin is large, the result is unlikely to change after a time-consuming and costly audit. The other provision I oppose is (ix) which requires a legible postmark on an absentee ballot. Postmarks are only critical if a ballot is received after election day, to prove that the ballot was mailed in accordance with law. Why would you need to have a legible postmark on a ballot that was received before the polls closed, except to exclude voters? Also, a voter cannot control the legibility of a postmark because they don't control the machines, nor do they control the weather--rain can smudge postmarks. I believe this proposed change serves no legitimate purpose. Also, disallowing "other official indicia of confirmation of mailing" makes this provision even more punitive.

Please move to report HJ9, HB130, HB605, HJ57, HB46, HB305, HB1102. Thank you.

HB205 would make it illegal for an election official to accept money from any individual or entity except the government to fund an election, protecting public elections from influence by private wealthy individuals and entities. HB305 would increase the number of members of the State Board of Elections from five to six, three members from each party. Currently, the Commissioner of Elections is appointed by the Governor, but if this bill is adopted the Commissioner would now be appointed by a supermajority of the State Board of Elections instead. The bill also includes provisions to improve accuracy of the voting roll, require voter ID, require election audits, better manage drop off locations, and more.

This bill provides for Election Board members to serve a term of six years, Even the governor of Virginia serves a term of only 4 years. The Election Board must not have a longer term than elected officers in Virginia. I oppose this bill. It also provides a long list of requirements for voter ID which are not necessary for providing the security of virginia votes.

Voting is a constitutional right. Any law that restricts rather than expands our constitutional right & DUTY to vote is simply voter suppression. We must not repeal any expansions of absentee ballots. Do not decrease early voting. - extend the number of days allowed. Do not eliminate any ballot box locations- expand. We have no need to re-register absentee ballots every year. No excuse absentee voting is absolutely crucial. The state must provide easy and free access to voter ID if a photo is required. Since the USPS has slowed considerably, we must keep the 3 day rule for receiving ballots after election day. All local elections must be on Election Day (in Nov). Election Day should be a holiday. Until we do a complete overhaul of campaign finance & eliminate dark money/special interests there must be no restrictions on outreach, education & registration or from where a candidate may collect funds. Voter registration up to and including Election Day is absolutely crucial to ensure all citizens vote. I support all bills expanding our rights and abilities to make voting as easy as possible. I oppose all bills attempting to restrict any access to our ballot and our vote. The process is too important for the elected officials to be able to restrict us from our duty to be informed voters. Keep expanding our rights. Do not restrict, suppress or subvert them.

Voting is a constitutional right. Any law that restricts rather than expands our constitutional right & DUTY to vote is simply voter suppression. We must not repeal any expansions of absentee ballots. Do not decrease early voting. - extend the number of days allowed. Do not eliminate any ballot box locations- expand. We have no need to re-register absentee ballots every year. No excuse absentee voting is absolutely crucial. The state must provide easy and free access to voter ID if a photo is required. Since the USPS has slowed considerably, we must keep the 3 day rule for receiving ballots after election day. All local elections must be on Election Day (in Nov). Election Day should be a holiday. Until we do a complete overhaul of campaign finance & eliminate dark money/special interests there must be no restrictions on outreach, education & registration or from where a candidate may collect funds. Voter registration up to and including Election Day is absolutely crucial to ensure all citizens vote. I support all bills expanding our rights and abilities to make voting as easy as possible. I oppose all bills attempting to restrict any access to our ballot and our vote. The process is too important for the elected officials to be able to restrict us from our duty to be informed voters. Keep expanding our rights. Do not restrict, suppress or subvert them.

Comments Document

Attached are comments of the League of Women Voters of Virginia pertaining to three bills, HB 895, HB 1082, and HB 1140. The League supports HB 895 and HB 1140 but opposes HB 1082.

Comments Document

The League of Women Voters submits comments, as follows: HB 895 - In support of risk-limiting audits, the best way to determine whether the reported outcome of an election is correct; HB 1082 and HB 1109 - In opposition to giving cities and towns the option to revert from November elections to May elections because it suppresses turnout; HB1262 - In opposition to turning nonpartisan races into partisan races because it increases divisiveness and takes the focus away from electing a candidate based purely on suitability and competence

Voting is a constitutional right. Any law that restricts rather than expands our constitutional right & DUTY to vote is simply voter suppression. We must not repeal any expansions of absentee ballots. Do not decrease early voting. - extend the number of days allowed. Do not eliminate any ballot box locations- expand. We have no need to re-register absentee ballots every year. No excuse absentee voting is absolutely crucial. The state must provide easy and free access to voter ID if a photo is required. Since the USPS has slowed considerably, we must keep the 3 day rule for receiving ballots after election day. All local elections must be on Election Day (in Nov). Election Day should be a holiday. Until we do a complete overhaul of campaign finance & eliminate dark money/special interests there must be no restrictions on outreach, education & registration or from where a candidate may collect funds. Voter registration up to and including Election Day is absolutely crucial to ensure all citizens vote. I support all bills expanding our rights and abilities to make voting as easy as possible. I oppose all bills attempting to restrict any access to our ballot and our vote. The process is too important for the elected officials to be able to restrict us from our duty to be informed voters. Keep expanding our rights. Do not restrict, suppress or subvert them.

First, thank you all for the many, many hours, hard work, and energy you give to care for the citizens of VA, not during this Session, but in the months preceding as you prepared. For 171 years, PROUDLY, Virginia has been one of 5 states that still holds its elections in odd years to distance the State from Federal issues. It is just as important to distance LOCALITIES from State and Federal issues, so we respectfully ask that the same consideration simply be given back to local government. It is critical for supplying the fairest, best-case scenario for our citizens and the successful, smooth operation of small local governments. • A non-partisan election is a “Hallmark of Local Elections”. • Hard as it may be to hear, non-partisan leadership is instrumental, as neighbors work together to care for local issues in our smaller localities. • Some City Charters even prohibit party affiliation. • The Hatch Act prohibits civil service employees in the federal government to take part in partisan elections—disqualifying some excellent leadership candidates. • Only the rich would be able to run because no one else could compete with Party money. o Having worked in media sales, the cost of a spot on TV or radio is 4-5 times MORE for the Nov. political window • Having the clarity of local issues NOT mixed with Federal/State . • Local candidates' names, especially those running for the 1st time, do not get lost. • Local Ballots are not as overwhelming to citizens as a “combined Ballot” • Pres. election years, local candidates will be listed on the back of the ballot. Please evaluate what is in the best interest of not only large cities but our small localities. Your decisions affect all of us. All Localities Having the choice is why we strongly and respectfully urge you to support HB 1082.

The Town of Vienna has traditionally held its elections for Mayor and a council on the first Tuesday in At at the Vienna Community Center. Holding the election at one polling place allows residents the opportunity to speak to every candidate. Residents in Vienna are involved and Ike to focus on local issues. Moving to November will require candidates to get around to different poling locations and all of us will not be in one place for voters. The town does a great job at informing its residents about the election by newsletter that is mailed to every household, a banner across the main street and social Media, website and cable channel. Please consider allowing towns and cities to have the option to return to their spring elections. Thank you for all you do!

I signed up yesterday to speak in favor of HB1082 this morning. However, the link I recieved is for CCT!!!

Please move to report HB68, HB46, HB1082.

Comments Document

Attached are comments of the League of Women Voters of Virginia pertaining to three bills, HB 895, HB 1082, and HB 1140. The League supports HB 895 and HB 1140 but opposes HB 1082.

Please move to report all these bills.

I would encourage members of this committee to consider the possibility of allowing localities to chose the option of local elections to be held in May, as opposed to lumping them together with state and/or national election cycles. HB. 1082 and HB 1109 would provide that option for localities. As a retired Virginia educator with 36 years experience as a Virginia and United States Government teacher, the idea of a "separation of elections" makes a great deal of sense. As citizens of our Commonwealth, we have always been proud of the fact that we give our state elections special emphasis by separating them from the national. That additional time allows for a more strategic focus of the Commonwealth's issues, giving her citizens time to focus on state needs instead of a national agenda. That same premise being used for local elections would make a great deal of sense. Overload of issues and candidates only serves to confuse the electorate. Simple straightforward presentation of the issues and the candidates for offices would encourage greater voter participation and involvement in the election. Local issues are the ones that affect voters most directly so it makes much more sense to allow local voters the chance to understand the candidates before them as well as the issues at hand. Longer "bedsheet" ballots will add to the costs of elections since more explanatory information will be required from the local and state board of elections. Just like the halls of Congress (and need I say the General Assembly), the more information you add to the process only muddied the waters. Voters will push back and not get involved in the electoral process because of the overwhelming nature of the beast. The old adage of keeping it simple and understandable really does work! Keep local elections separate, and just like the infamous "Field of Dreams", they will come!

Comments Document

The League of Women Voters submits comments, as follows: HB 895 - In support of risk-limiting audits, the best way to determine whether the reported outcome of an election is correct; HB 1082 and HB 1109 - In opposition to giving cities and towns the option to revert from November elections to May elections because it suppresses turnout; HB1262 - In opposition to turning nonpartisan races into partisan races because it increases divisiveness and takes the focus away from electing a candidate based purely on suitability and competence

Voter ID required, limit mail in ballots, no drop boxes, cutoff for registration to vote 2 -3 weeks prior, citizens only, clean voter registration polls weekly, modify length of residency to qualify to register

I support HB 1082 and HB 1109? A Privileges and Elections Sub-Committee (#2) is meeting 7:00 a.m. Wednesday morning to review 2 Bills: HB 1082 & 1109 are written to repeal the Bill that moved Local Elections to November. Making a comment may help. (Some reasons are attached.)

Comments Document

Dear Privileges and Elections Committee Members, I urge the committee to vote in favor of the Right to Vote Amendment and the associated referendum bills: HJ9 and HB130. Passing the amendment places the responsibility for this important decision where it should be – with Virginia's voters during the 2022 elections. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Beth Alley

BOTH HJ9 and HB130. Privileges and Elections Committee Members, I urge the committee to vote in favor of the Right to Vote Amendment and the associated referendum bills: HJ9 and HB130. Passing the amendment places the responsibility for this important decision where it should be – with Virginia's voters during the 2022 elections. Thank you for your consideration. "I say to people today, 'You must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end." -- John Lewis "We have come a long way in America because of Martin Luther King, Jr. He led a disciplined, nonviolent revolution under the rule of law, a revolution of values, a revolution of ideas. We've come a long way, but we still have a distance to go before all of our citizens embrace the idea of a truly interracial democracy, what I like to call the Beloved Community, a nation at peace with itself." -- John Lewis Sincerely, Marilyn Karp BOTH HJ9 and HB130.

There is a multitude of reasons to have local elections in May, the most important being: • Having the clarity of local issues (in May) NOT mixed in with national or state problems (Nov.). • Turnout may be smaller, but those voting in May do so because they are informed of local issues and needs, and they educate themselves on the platforms of the local candidates. Better to have quality--informed citizens--then quantity (uninformed masses). • Local candidates' names (especially those running for the first time) don't get lost in the hubbub that occurs with state and federal candidates advertising for their elections at the same time as federal and state candidates. • Fairness to our citizens and quality of local government: In May, knowing who to vote for is not as overwhelming to citizens since there is not a multitude of offices to vote on, nor an overload of candidates to find out about. Referendums are clear and not lost in the overload of so many other items, candidates, etc., on the ballot. • The availability of resources and the cost of advertising are more affordable because candidates don't have to "compete" with state or federal candidates' money to be "remembered" on election day. It is a known fact in radio and TV advertising, that those that are willing to pay more for a "spot" will "bump" those paying less for their ad in that advertising time slot. And there are limited spots available in "prime time". • The hallmark of local elections is a non-partisan election. Just look at how poorly our federal government works across party lines, how they don't compromise, and how little they get done. Many party members don't vote for what's best for their constituents, they vote to gain a "win" for their party...we don't need that party vs. party fighting at the local level. May elections won't give an unfair advantage to political party candidates like November will, staying true to local government's current cooperation between members. Local party candidates would not get to ride the coat tails of state/federal party candidates at rallies, gatherings, fund raisers, etc., and independents would get equal exposure. • In some areas, for Presidential (Nov.) election years, candidates for offices in local governments will be listed on the back of the ballot--way too easy to miss, and a place none of us would want to be found. Having November Elections makes it all about the Party and means only the RICH could afford to run against candidates getting Party money--no one else could compete with the Party money, so only the rich would actually get into office. Having May elections is what is best for local government to run smoothly, effectively, and to best care for the citizens they serve.

6am-7pm

Please move to report HJ9, HB130, HB605, HJ57, HB46, HB305, HB1102. Thank you.

Voter ID required, limit mail in ballots, no drop boxes, cutoff for registration to vote 2 -3 weeks prior, citizens only, clean voter registration polls weekly, modify length of residency to qualify to register

Comments Document

Dear Privileges and Elections Committee Members, I urge the committee to vote in favor of the Right to Vote Amendment and the associated referendum bills: HJ9 and HB130. Passing the amendment places the responsibility for this important decision where it should be – with Virginia's voters during the 2022 elections. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Beth Alley

BOTH HJ9 and HB130. Privileges and Elections Committee Members, I urge the committee to vote in favor of the Right to Vote Amendment and the associated referendum bills: HJ9 and HB130. Passing the amendment places the responsibility for this important decision where it should be – with Virginia's voters during the 2022 elections. Thank you for your consideration. "I say to people today, 'You must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end." -- John Lewis "We have come a long way in America because of Martin Luther King, Jr. He led a disciplined, nonviolent revolution under the rule of law, a revolution of values, a revolution of ideas. We've come a long way, but we still have a distance to go before all of our citizens embrace the idea of a truly interracial democracy, what I like to call the Beloved Community, a nation at peace with itself." -- John Lewis Sincerely, Marilyn Karp BOTH HJ9 and HB130.

I support HB 1140. I think adding the ability to send a registration cancellation notice to an email address in addition to mailing a notice to the voter's address of record is a good idea. It increases the chance that the voter will receive this critical information.

Comments Document

Attached are comments of the League of Women Voters of Virginia pertaining to three bills, HB 895, HB 1082, and HB 1140. The League supports HB 895 and HB 1140 but opposes HB 1082.

Comments Document

Dear Privileges and Elections Committee Members, I urge the committee to vote in favor of the Right to Vote Amendment and the associated referendum bills: HJ9 and HB130. Passing the amendment places the responsibility for this important decision where it should be – with Virginia's voters during the 2022 elections. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Beth Alley

Election Integrity guarantees our voice is heard and the we can trust the system. It is foundational to the backbone of this country. It has been my astonishing revelation that this most SACRED of all abilities - believed to be held UP- in such esteem and REVERENCE yet in reality is trampled upon, disrespected and disgraced , given away with no value whatsoever in order to game the system. It is totally and completely unprotected. IT is UNTRUE. This reminds me of the snake oil salesmen who came into towns in the early days selling fakery and un-truths. As the American people come learn the truth - it IS happening now folks, make no mistake, they will ask the leadership to answer for this'd hold you accountable for this bait and switch. WE need real election integrity for LEGAL CITIZENS ONLY. WE NEED PRISTINELY CLEAN VOTER ROLLS. Here is the list of what we must do to repair and restore the trust of the American People. Establish laws enabling forensic audits and voter canvass Repeal same day voter registration Repeal no voter identification Repeal the permanent absentee ballot list Repeal no-excuse AB Repeal 3rd party mailing of AB Repeal ballot harvesting Eliminate AB drop boxes. We also want 1 day of voting, but anything less than 45 days would be better than nothing. Do not accept AB after Election DAY. Repeal pre-registration of 16 year olds Repeal automatic voter registration by DMV Please vote appropriately on ALL bills in support of these goals. Angela Boyer Great Falls Va 22066

Voting should be simple, quick, and accesible to everyone. We have a lot of elderly and/or disabled residents, people who don't have access to a car, or members of the military serving overseas. Our legislators in Richmond should be working to make every Virginia's voice is heard. In addition, returning citizens should be eligible to vote once their sentence is completed. If they've served their time in prison as determined by a judge and/or jury, no purpose is served by denying them the right to vote.

Virginia enacted several new voting laws in 2020 and 2021 to make voting more accessible during the pandemic. Early in-person voting hours were increased, mail-in absentee ballots no longer required a witness signature, more drop-box locations were available. These changes led to record voter turnout (with insignificant fraud) in both the 2020 presidential election and the 2021 gubernatorial election. Therefore I oppose any new bill that would restrict our rights to accessible voting.

Voting is a constitutional right. Any law that restricts rather than expands our constitutional right & DUTY to vote is simply voter suppression. We must not repeal any expansions of absentee ballots. Do not decrease early voting. - extend the number of days allowed. Do not eliminate any ballot box locations- expand. We have no need to re-register absentee ballots every year. No excuse absentee voting is absolutely crucial. The state must provide easy and free access to voter ID if a photo is required. Since the USPS has slowed considerably, we must keep the 3 day rule for receiving ballots after election day. All local elections must be on Election Day (in Nov). Election Day should be a holiday. Until we do a complete overhaul of campaign finance & eliminate dark money/special interests there must be no restrictions on outreach, education & registration or from where a candidate may collect funds. Voter registration up to and including Election Day is absolutely crucial to ensure all citizens vote. I support all bills expanding our rights and abilities to make voting as easy as possible. I oppose all bills attempting to restrict any access to our ballot and our vote. The process is too important for the elected officials to be able to restrict us from our duty to be informed voters. Keep expanding our rights. Do not restrict, suppress or subvert them.

Voting should be easy and available That means that voters should have every option available to them, including No-excuse absentee voting, mail in voting, in person early voting and in person election day voting at enough locations to prevent long lines. The photo ID requirement is based on a false narrative around a kind of fraud that does not happen so a photo ID should not be required. Mobile device voting should be available. I can bank and pay my taxes from my computer or phone, I should be able to vote that way as well