Public Comments for 02/01/2022 Privileges and Elections - Election Administration
HB34 - Absentee voting; return of absentee ballots, drop-off locations.
Last Name: McDaniel Locality: Fairfax

I am opposed to these bills that eliminate ballot drop boxes. I work as an Officer of Election on both Election Day and during early voting. Many voters are leery of using the USPS and many voters can't get to the Registrar's Office to deliver a ballot personally. Last year, voters appreciated having the option to deposit their completed ballots in drop boxes. The drop boxes are very secure. They do not increase the opportunity for fraud. Eliminating them creates an undue burden to voters.

Last Name: McDaniel Locality: Fairfax

I am opposed to these bills that eliminate ballot drop boxes. I work as an Officer of Election on both Election Day and during early voting. Many voters are leery of using the USPS and many voters can't get to the Registrar's Office to deliver a ballot personally. Last year, voters appreciated having the option to deposit their completed ballots in drop boxes. The drop boxes are very secure. They do not increase the opportunity for fraud. Eliminating them creates an undue burden to voters.

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

Please move to report HB34, 35, 36, 39, 178, 528, 1090, 1141 to protect minority votes which can be diluted by fraudulent votes and places blame unfairly on minorities for questionable voting practices. Against HB177, 196 because those can affect handicapped/disabled. If they are left for them, then no problems.

Last Name: Belchak Locality: Hampton

I support HB's: 34, 35, 36, 39, 177, 178, 196, 198, 528, 1141, because we need to have a system where all Virginia voters can have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Without these reforms, loop holes are left open that can allow third party organizations, or campaigns, to manipulate ballets, steal ballets from voters, or manufacture fraudulent voters. We need election reform now! Thank you.

Last Name: Savage Locality: Fairfax

I'm writing in strong opposition to HB34, HB35, HB36, HB39. HB177, HB178, HB196, and HB198. These bills would clearly and undeniably suppress access to the ballot box in Virginia. We know the Senate is going to vote them down, you might as well spare the trouble and kill these bills in subcommittee. The General Assembly ought to be focused on more important issues than suppressing the right to vote.

Last Name: Kimberlin Locality: Fredericksburg

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.

Last Name: Marie Locality: ARLINGTON

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.

Last Name: Martin Locality: Fairfax

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.

HB35 - Absentee voting; excuse required to vote absentee by mail, etc.
Last Name: Pifer Locality: Loudoun

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

Last Name: McDaniel Locality: Fairfax

I am opposed to proposed legislation that requires excuses for absentee voting, shortens the in-person absentee voting time period, and/or eliminates the permanent Absentee Ballot List. I have worked as an Officer of Election since 2016. I serve as a Precinct Chief on Election Day and work during early voting. 1. Voters enthusiastically embraced "no excuse needed" absentee voting in 2021. I constantly heard them express relief at not having to worry about being sick on Election Day, deal with bad weather, or having an unforeseen emergency arise that would keep them from voting on Election Day. Having people vote absentee also eased the pressure on Officers working on Election day. We were still very busy but the crowds were more manageable than in past years. Requiring an excuse to vote early does not increase security in my opinion. 2. Shortening the in-person early voting period to 11 days (beginning 14 days before the election) also puts voters in a difficult position. Voters prefer to place their completed ballots in a scanner. It is difficult for some people to get time off from work to vote and compressing their access will disenfranchise voters. Also, voting early in person was very popular with college students, as they report they have difficulty receiving mail in a timely manner (I processed a significant number of college students in October when they were home for fall break.) 3. Eliminating the Permanent Absentee Ballot List and requiring annual requests puts an undue burden on those voters who qualify for this process. In particular, elderly and disabled voters should not have to prove their conditions annually.

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

Please move to report HB34, 35, 36, 39, 178, 528, 1090, 1141 to protect minority votes which can be diluted by fraudulent votes and places blame unfairly on minorities for questionable voting practices. Against HB177, 196 because those can affect handicapped/disabled. If they are left for them, then no problems.

Last Name: Belchak Locality: Hampton

I support HB's: 34, 35, 36, 39, 177, 178, 196, 198, 528, 1141, because we need to have a system where all Virginia voters can have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Without these reforms, loop holes are left open that can allow third party organizations, or campaigns, to manipulate ballets, steal ballets from voters, or manufacture fraudulent voters. We need election reform now! Thank you.

Last Name: Savage Locality: Fairfax

I'm writing in strong opposition to HB34, HB35, HB36, HB39. HB177, HB178, HB196, and HB198. These bills would clearly and undeniably suppress access to the ballot box in Virginia. We know the Senate is going to vote them down, you might as well spare the trouble and kill these bills in subcommittee. The General Assembly ought to be focused on more important issues than suppressing the right to vote.

Last Name: Watson Organization: Hamkae Center Locality: Fairfax

Hello, I am Sami Watson, Field Coordinator with Hamkae Center. We work with Asian American voters across the state and we oppose House Bill 35. Data shows that Asian Americans increased their voter turnout by more than any other racial demographic between 2016 and 2020, and that Asian Americans are increasingly voting early and absentee. Therefore, any restrictions on early and absentee voting would limit Asian American voter turnout. Thank you for your time.

Last Name: Boyer Locality: Fairfax County

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

Last Name: Kimberlin Locality: Fredericksburg

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.

Last Name: Marie Locality: ARLINGTON

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.

Last Name: Martin Locality: Fairfax

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.

Last Name: Sprague Locality: Alexandria

Excuses were very complex in the voting process. The excuse I did have for not being able to vote on Election Day barely even appeared on the list. We cannot go back to that! Ever!

HB36 - Absentee voting; permanent absentee voter list repealed.
Last Name: Pifer Locality: Loudoun

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

Last Name: McDaniel Locality: Fairfax

I am opposed to proposed legislation that requires excuses for absentee voting, shortens the in-person absentee voting time period, and/or eliminates the permanent Absentee Ballot List. I have worked as an Officer of Election since 2016. I serve as a Precinct Chief on Election Day and work during early voting. 1. Voters enthusiastically embraced "no excuse needed" absentee voting in 2021. I constantly heard them express relief at not having to worry about being sick on Election Day, deal with bad weather, or having an unforeseen emergency arise that would keep them from voting on Election Day. Having people vote absentee also eased the pressure on Officers working on Election day. We were still very busy but the crowds were more manageable than in past years. Requiring an excuse to vote early does not increase security in my opinion. 2. Shortening the in-person early voting period to 11 days (beginning 14 days before the election) also puts voters in a difficult position. Voters prefer to place their completed ballots in a scanner. It is difficult for some people to get time off from work to vote and compressing their access will disenfranchise voters. Also, voting early in person was very popular with college students, as they report they have difficulty receiving mail in a timely manner (I processed a significant number of college students in October when they were home for fall break.) 3. Eliminating the Permanent Absentee Ballot List and requiring annual requests puts an undue burden on those voters who qualify for this process. In particular, elderly and disabled voters should not have to prove their conditions annually.

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

Please move to report HB34, 35, 36, 39, 178, 528, 1090, 1141 to protect minority votes which can be diluted by fraudulent votes and places blame unfairly on minorities for questionable voting practices. Against HB177, 196 because those can affect handicapped/disabled. If they are left for them, then no problems.

Last Name: Belchak Locality: Hampton

I support HB's: 34, 35, 36, 39, 177, 178, 196, 198, 528, 1141, because we need to have a system where all Virginia voters can have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Without these reforms, loop holes are left open that can allow third party organizations, or campaigns, to manipulate ballets, steal ballets from voters, or manufacture fraudulent voters. We need election reform now! Thank you.

Last Name: Savage Locality: Fairfax

I'm writing in strong opposition to HB34, HB35, HB36, HB39. HB177, HB178, HB196, and HB198. These bills would clearly and undeniably suppress access to the ballot box in Virginia. We know the Senate is going to vote them down, you might as well spare the trouble and kill these bills in subcommittee. The General Assembly ought to be focused on more important issues than suppressing the right to vote.

Last Name: Grigorian Locality: Yorktown

I support HB36.

Last Name: Kimberlin Locality: Fredericksburg

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.

Last Name: Marie Locality: ARLINGTON

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.

Last Name: Martin Locality: Fairfax

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.

HB39 - Absentee voting in person; available beginning on the fourteenth day prior to election.
Last Name: Diehl Locality: Loudoun

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.

Last Name: Kasch Organization: a long time Virginian Locality: Arlington

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.

Last Name: McDaniel Locality: Fairfax

I am opposed to proposed legislation that requires excuses for absentee voting, shortens the in-person absentee voting time period, and/or eliminates the permanent Absentee Ballot List. I have worked as an Officer of Election since 2016. I serve as a Precinct Chief on Election Day and work during early voting. 1. Voters enthusiastically embraced "no excuse needed" absentee voting in 2021. I constantly heard them express relief at not having to worry about being sick on Election Day, deal with bad weather, or having an unforeseen emergency arise that would keep them from voting on Election Day. Having people vote absentee also eased the pressure on Officers working on Election day. We were still very busy but the crowds were more manageable than in past years. Requiring an excuse to vote early does not increase security in my opinion. 2. Shortening the in-person early voting period to 11 days (beginning 14 days before the election) also puts voters in a difficult position. Voters prefer to place their completed ballots in a scanner. It is difficult for some people to get time off from work to vote and compressing their access will disenfranchise voters. Also, voting early in person was very popular with college students, as they report they have difficulty receiving mail in a timely manner (I processed a significant number of college students in October when they were home for fall break.) 3. Eliminating the Permanent Absentee Ballot List and requiring annual requests puts an undue burden on those voters who qualify for this process. In particular, elderly and disabled voters should not have to prove their conditions annually.

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

Please move to report HB34, 35, 36, 39, 178, 528, 1090, 1141 to protect minority votes which can be diluted by fraudulent votes and places blame unfairly on minorities for questionable voting practices. Against HB177, 196 because those can affect handicapped/disabled. If they are left for them, then no problems.

Last Name: Kallay Locality: Spotsylvania

My name is Paula Kallay and I have been an election officer in Spotsylvania County for 11 years. I would encourage this sub-committee to vote in favor of shortening early voting from 45 days to 14 days. 14 days with offices open from 9-5 and offering 2 Saturdays before election day should give voters sufficient time to cast their vote. What has been required to increase the voting period from 14 to 45 days? - Challenges finding qualified personnel to staff more than triple the “man hours” at voting places - Effectively more than tripling the expense of the increased personnel requirements - Increased costs associated with maintaining offices for an additional 31 days What have we gotten for the expense and effort? - Precise data has not been completely collected yet, but in Spotsylvania this year, early voting started on January 1st. 27 days into early voting we have had just over 100 people vote. Most likely, most of them could have voted later or by absentee ballot. Is the state really getting its money’s worth?

Last Name: Belchak Locality: Hampton

I support HB's: 34, 35, 36, 39, 177, 178, 196, 198, 528, 1141, because we need to have a system where all Virginia voters can have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Without these reforms, loop holes are left open that can allow third party organizations, or campaigns, to manipulate ballets, steal ballets from voters, or manufacture fraudulent voters. We need election reform now! Thank you.

Last Name: Savage Locality: Fairfax

I'm writing in strong opposition to HB34, HB35, HB36, HB39. HB177, HB178, HB196, and HB198. These bills would clearly and undeniably suppress access to the ballot box in Virginia. We know the Senate is going to vote them down, you might as well spare the trouble and kill these bills in subcommittee. The General Assembly ought to be focused on more important issues than suppressing the right to vote.

Last Name: Watson Organization: Hamkae Center Locality: Fairfax

Hello, I am Sami Watson, Field Coordinator with Hamkae Center. We work with Asian American voters across the state and we oppose House Bill 39. Data shows that Asian Americans increased their voter turnout by more than any other racial demographic between 2016 and 2020, and that Asian Americans are increasingly voting early and absentee. Therefore, any restrictions on early and absentee voting would limit Asian American voter turnout. Thank you for your time.

Last Name: Boyer Locality: Fairfax County

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

Last Name: Mashburn Organization: League of Women Voters Locality: Abingdon, VA

It is very important that Virginia has an uncomplicated and accessible method of voting for every citizen to register their preference. Fraud is not a big problem, so obstacles should not be placed in the way of voters.

Last Name: Kimberlin Locality: Fredericksburg

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.

Last Name: Marie Locality: ARLINGTON

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.

Last Name: Martin Locality: Fairfax

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.

HB177 - Absentee voting; witness requirement for absentee ballots.
Last Name: McDaniel Locality: Fairfax

I agree with the elimination of a required witness signature for an absentee ballot. However, I suggest that a voter be able to provide EITHER the last four digits of their Social Security number OR their complete Virginia Drivers License number. Many people are concerned about using even a portion of their Social Security on paperwork. I believe using their Virginia Drivers License number would be an equally secure way to verify their identity.

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

Please move to report HB34, 35, 36, 39, 178, 528, 1090, 1141 to protect minority votes which can be diluted by fraudulent votes and places blame unfairly on minorities for questionable voting practices. Against HB177, 196 because those can affect handicapped/disabled. If they are left for them, then no problems.

Last Name: Belchak Locality: Hampton

I support HB's: 34, 35, 36, 39, 177, 178, 196, 198, 528, 1141, because we need to have a system where all Virginia voters can have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Without these reforms, loop holes are left open that can allow third party organizations, or campaigns, to manipulate ballets, steal ballets from voters, or manufacture fraudulent voters. We need election reform now! Thank you.

Last Name: Savage Locality: Fairfax

I'm writing in strong opposition to HB34, HB35, HB36, HB39. HB177, HB178, HB196, and HB198. These bills would clearly and undeniably suppress access to the ballot box in Virginia. We know the Senate is going to vote them down, you might as well spare the trouble and kill these bills in subcommittee. The General Assembly ought to be focused on more important issues than suppressing the right to vote.

Last Name: Boyer Locality: Fairfax County

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

Last Name: Mashburn Organization: League of Women Voters Locality: Abingdon, VA

It is very important that Virginia has an uncomplicated and accessible method of voting for every citizen to register their preference. Fraud is not a big problem, so obstacles should not be placed in the way of voters.

Last Name: Kimberlin Locality: Fredericksburg

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.

Last Name: Marie Locality: ARLINGTON

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.

Last Name: Martin Locality: Fairfax

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.

HB178 - Absentee voting in person; available beginning on the fourteenth day prior to election.
Last Name: Kanoyton Organization: VA State Conference NAACP Locality: Hampton

The VA NAACP doesn't support legislation that limits access to voters. Hb1090 Hb149 hb121 hb 249 hb 178 hb24 Support Hj9 hj130

Last Name: McDaniel Locality: Fairfax

I am opposed to proposed legislation that requires excuses for absentee voting, shortens the in-person absentee voting time period, and/or eliminates the permanent Absentee Ballot List. I have worked as an Officer of Election since 2016. I serve as a Precinct Chief on Election Day and work during early voting. 1. Voters enthusiastically embraced "no excuse needed" absentee voting in 2021. I constantly heard them express relief at not having to worry about being sick on Election Day, deal with bad weather, or having an unforeseen emergency arise that would keep them from voting on Election Day. Having people vote absentee also eased the pressure on Officers working on Election day. We were still very busy but the crowds were more manageable than in past years. Requiring an excuse to vote early does not increase security in my opinion. 2. Shortening the in-person early voting period to 11 days (beginning 14 days before the election) also puts voters in a difficult position. Voters prefer to place their completed ballots in a scanner. It is difficult for some people to get time off from work to vote and compressing their access will disenfranchise voters. Also, voting early in person was very popular with college students, as they report they have difficulty receiving mail in a timely manner (I processed a significant number of college students in October when they were home for fall break.) 3. Eliminating the Permanent Absentee Ballot List and requiring annual requests puts an undue burden on those voters who qualify for this process. In particular, elderly and disabled voters should not have to prove their conditions annually.

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

Please move to report HB34, 35, 36, 39, 178, 528, 1090, 1141 to protect minority votes which can be diluted by fraudulent votes and places blame unfairly on minorities for questionable voting practices. Against HB177, 196 because those can affect handicapped/disabled. If they are left for them, then no problems.

Last Name: Belchak Locality: Hampton

I support HB's: 34, 35, 36, 39, 177, 178, 196, 198, 528, 1141, because we need to have a system where all Virginia voters can have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Without these reforms, loop holes are left open that can allow third party organizations, or campaigns, to manipulate ballets, steal ballets from voters, or manufacture fraudulent voters. We need election reform now! Thank you.

Last Name: Savage Locality: Fairfax

I'm writing in strong opposition to HB34, HB35, HB36, HB39. HB177, HB178, HB196, and HB198. These bills would clearly and undeniably suppress access to the ballot box in Virginia. We know the Senate is going to vote them down, you might as well spare the trouble and kill these bills in subcommittee. The General Assembly ought to be focused on more important issues than suppressing the right to vote.

Last Name: Watson Organization: Hamkae Center Locality: Fairfax

Hello, I am Sami Watson, Field Coordinator with Hamkae Center. We work with Asian American voters across the state and we oppose House Bill 178. Data shows that Asian Americans increased their voter turnout by more than any other racial demographic between 2016 and 2020, and that Asian Americans are increasingly voting early and absentee. Therefore, any restrictions on early and absentee voting would limit Asian American voter turnout. Thank you for your time.

Last Name: Boyer Locality: Fairfax County

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

Last Name: Mashburn Organization: League of Women Voters Locality: Abingdon, VA

It is very important that Virginia has an uncomplicated and accessible method of voting for every citizen to register their preference. Fraud is not a big problem, so obstacles should not be placed in the way of voters.

Last Name: Kimberlin Locality: Fredericksburg

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.

Last Name: Marie Locality: ARLINGTON

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.

Last Name: Martin Locality: Fairfax

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.

HB196 - Absentee voting; permanent absentee voter list repealed.
Last Name: Dana Walker Locality: Loudoun

I am in favor of these bills to ensure honest and accurate election counts in the state of Virginia. This would include bills HB 1090, 1101, 1109, 121, 196,24,941,942,945,956 and HJ 65.

Last Name: Vest Locality: Loudoun

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

Last Name: McDaniel Locality: Fairfax

I am opposed to proposed legislation that requires excuses for absentee voting, shortens the in-person absentee voting time period, and/or eliminates the permanent Absentee Ballot List. I have worked as an Officer of Election since 2016. I serve as a Precinct Chief on Election Day and work during early voting. 1. Voters enthusiastically embraced "no excuse needed" absentee voting in 2021. I constantly heard them express relief at not having to worry about being sick on Election Day, deal with bad weather, or having an unforeseen emergency arise that would keep them from voting on Election Day. Having people vote absentee also eased the pressure on Officers working on Election day. We were still very busy but the crowds were more manageable than in past years. Requiring an excuse to vote early does not increase security in my opinion. 2. Shortening the in-person early voting period to 11 days (beginning 14 days before the election) also puts voters in a difficult position. Voters prefer to place their completed ballots in a scanner. It is difficult for some people to get time off from work to vote and compressing their access will disenfranchise voters. Also, voting early in person was very popular with college students, as they report they have difficulty receiving mail in a timely manner (I processed a significant number of college students in October when they were home for fall break.) 3. Eliminating the Permanent Absentee Ballot List and requiring annual requests puts an undue burden on those voters who qualify for this process. In particular, elderly and disabled voters should not have to prove their conditions annually.

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

Please move to report HB34, 35, 36, 39, 178, 528, 1090, 1141 to protect minority votes which can be diluted by fraudulent votes and places blame unfairly on minorities for questionable voting practices. Against HB177, 196 because those can affect handicapped/disabled. If they are left for them, then no problems.

Last Name: Belchak Locality: Hampton

I support HB's: 34, 35, 36, 39, 177, 178, 196, 198, 528, 1141, because we need to have a system where all Virginia voters can have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Without these reforms, loop holes are left open that can allow third party organizations, or campaigns, to manipulate ballets, steal ballets from voters, or manufacture fraudulent voters. We need election reform now! Thank you.

Last Name: Savage Locality: Fairfax

I'm writing in strong opposition to HB34, HB35, HB36, HB39. HB177, HB178, HB196, and HB198. These bills would clearly and undeniably suppress access to the ballot box in Virginia. We know the Senate is going to vote them down, you might as well spare the trouble and kill these bills in subcommittee. The General Assembly ought to be focused on more important issues than suppressing the right to vote.

Last Name: Kimberlin Locality: Fredericksburg

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.

Last Name: Marie Locality: ARLINGTON

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.

Last Name: Martin Locality: Fairfax

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.

HB198 - Absentee voting; permanent absentee voter list, annual notice required, reasons for removal.
Last Name: Vest Locality: Loudoun

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

Last Name: Belchak Locality: Hampton

I support HB's: 34, 35, 36, 39, 177, 178, 196, 198, 528, 1141, because we need to have a system where all Virginia voters can have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Without these reforms, loop holes are left open that can allow third party organizations, or campaigns, to manipulate ballets, steal ballets from voters, or manufacture fraudulent voters. We need election reform now! Thank you.

Last Name: Savage Locality: Fairfax

I'm writing in strong opposition to HB34, HB35, HB36, HB39. HB177, HB178, HB196, and HB198. These bills would clearly and undeniably suppress access to the ballot box in Virginia. We know the Senate is going to vote them down, you might as well spare the trouble and kill these bills in subcommittee. The General Assembly ought to be focused on more important issues than suppressing the right to vote.

Last Name: Boyer Locality: Fairfax County

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

Last Name: Kimberlin Locality: Fredericksburg

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.

Last Name: Marie Locality: ARLINGTON

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.

Last Name: Martin Locality: Fairfax

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.

HB528 - Absentee voting; unsolicited absentee ballot applications, required information.
Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

Please move to report HB34, 35, 36, 39, 178, 528, 1090, 1141 to protect minority votes which can be diluted by fraudulent votes and places blame unfairly on minorities for questionable voting practices. Against HB177, 196 because those can affect handicapped/disabled. If they are left for them, then no problems.

Last Name: Belchak Locality: Hampton

I support HB's: 34, 35, 36, 39, 177, 178, 196, 198, 528, 1141, because we need to have a system where all Virginia voters can have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Without these reforms, loop holes are left open that can allow third party organizations, or campaigns, to manipulate ballets, steal ballets from voters, or manufacture fraudulent voters. We need election reform now! Thank you.

Last Name: Boyer Locality: Fairfax County

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

Last Name: Martin Locality: Fairfax

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.

HB1090 - Voter identification; identification containing a photograph required.
Last Name: Sanden Locality: Loudoun

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 HB121!

Last Name: Sanden Locality: Loudoun

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 HB1090!

Last Name: Dana Walker Locality: Loudoun

I am in favor of these bills to ensure honest and accurate election counts in the state of Virginia. This would include bills HB 1090, 1101, 1109, 121, 196,24,941,942,945,956 and HJ 65.

Last Name: Zelinski Organization: LWVMC Locality: Montgomery

All Virginia voters should be guaranteed fair and equal opportunity to vote and access to polling sites. 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. Let Virginia voters decide.

Last Name: Vest Locality: Loudoun

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

Last Name: Kanoyton Organization: VA State Conference NAACP Locality: Hampton

The VA NAACP doesn't support legislation that limits access to voters. Hb1090 Hb149 hb121 hb 249 hb 178 hb24 Support Hj9 hj130

Last Name: Marcario Locality: , Loudoun County

HB1090 should be passed. Voters should have a photo ID and be able to show proof of residence. This enforces the integrity of voting in VA. Seniors can have a photo identification, even if they do not drive. There should not be a permanent absentee voter list. People move, pass away, etc and this can lead to fraud when others use this list to mail out ballots. I saw this happen, when ballots for deceased parents were sent to our home. Voters should register during the open period and should not be allowed to register on Election Day. Absentee ballots can be obtained legally if you know you will not be able to vote on Election Day. All ballots should be received by the close of Election Day, not days later.

Last Name: Pifer Locality: Loudoun

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

Last Name: Alley Locality: Albemarle County Earlysville Virginia

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

Last Name: Karp Organization: League of Women Voters and the citizens of Prince William County Locality: Haymarket

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.

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

Please move to report HB34, 35, 36, 39, 178, 528, 1090, 1141 to protect minority votes which can be diluted by fraudulent votes and places blame unfairly on minorities for questionable voting practices. Against HB177, 196 because those can affect handicapped/disabled. If they are left for them, then no problems.

Last Name: Belchak Locality: Hampton

I support HB's: 34, 35, 36, 39, 177, 178, 196, 198, 528, 1141, because we need to have a system where all Virginia voters can have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Without these reforms, loop holes are left open that can allow third party organizations, or campaigns, to manipulate ballets, steal ballets from voters, or manufacture fraudulent voters. We need election reform now! Thank you.

Last Name: Leon Locality: Fluvanna

Voter ID card from the Board of Elections is Sufficient.

Last Name: Leon Locality: Fluvanna

Voter ID card from the Board of Elections is Sufficient.

Last Name: Watson Organization: Hamkae Center Locality: Fairfax

Hello, I am Sami Watson, Field Coordinator with Hamkae Center. We work with Asian American voters across the state and we oppose House Bill 1090. 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.

Last Name: Johnson Organization: none Locality: Reston

I am commenting on HB 1090, Voter identification; identification containing a photograph. Before 2014, several forms of identification were acceptable for voting, as long as they had name and address information that coincided with the information in the poll book. Now we are back to that method of identification, which has been tested in the last two elections and found to be sufficiently secure. The photo ID requirement was difficult for some people to meet: elderly persons, especially those who moved into senior housing or no longer drove. The DMV does issue IDs for walkers, but a person has to get to the DMV. There was a provision in the act that passed in 2014 that required Office of Elections in all jurisdictions to provide equipment for taking photographs and creating ID free cards that could be used just for voting. In Fairfax, the officers of elections used to go to libraries and senior residences with this equipment to make sure that people had access to this equipment. I do not see such a provision in this bill. Since there was no problem with identifying voters correctly using any of the acceptable forms of ID, there is no need to return to the requirement to present a photo. Yours sincerely, Sidney Johnson

Last Name: Boyer Locality: Fairfax County

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

Last Name: Kari Tudor Locality: Damascus

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.

Last Name: GErshman Organization: League of Women Voters Locality: James City County

I oppose all bills attempting to restrict any access to our ballot and our vote. Keep expanding our rights. Make voting as easy as possible for all people, including elderly, disabled, people working multiple jobs, caretakers, people without access to transportation, and people who have served time. Do not restrict, suppress or subvert voting rights.

Last Name: Weitzman Locality: Fredericksburg

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.

Last Name: Kanoyton Organization: VA State Conference NAACP Locality: Hampton

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

Last Name: DeJulio Locality: Manassas

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.

Last Name: Shea Locality: Stafford

HB 1090 I am strongly opposed to reinstating the requirement to provide a photo ID in order to cast a ballot in Virginia. During the last election and I was handing out information, a distraught elderly woman and told me she was refused her right to vote because she had no photo ID. I was able to tell her that a photo ID was no longer necessary if she had some official document with her name and address on it. Fortunately, she had a utility bill with that information. She returned to the polling station, showed it to the worker and was able to vote. As she left the building, she told me that she was too old to drive and had no ID with a photo on it, so she was thrilled to learn that her right to vote had not been taken from her. Please don't deprive elderly citizens from exercising their constitutional right to participate in our democracy.

Last Name: Blanton Locality: Herndon

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.

Last Name: Howard Organization: Virginia Beach TEA Party Locality: Virginia Beach

HB1090, HB942, HB544, HB46, HB24, and HB121 Voting should be easy and cheating should be hard. requiring a Photo Voter ID is necessary to ensure only the eligible registered voters vote in our elections. Virginia Voter Photo Identification cards are available, free-of-charge, from any General Registrar’s office in Virginia. heres the link: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/archive/voter-photo-id/ELECT-404-ID-VoPhoIDCardApp-Long.pdf Mail in ballots are the most vunerable for fraud. Absentee ballots should only be sent to those requesting them, ID and signature required and the deadline for receipt of an absentee ballot by the date of the election. /drop boxes should only be inside registras office, polling locations and government offices under surveillance to prevent tampering. There should be no same day registration of voting this puts a burden on the registras office and allows those who want to cheat to relocated or who have moved to vote in more than one locality or state. The Voter rolls need to be up to date and accurate when early voting starts.

Last Name: Marie Locality: ARLINGTON

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.

Last Name: Bjerke Locality: Stafford

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.

Last Name: Bjerke Locality: Stafford

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. We will support photo IDs for exercising our right to vote when they are free 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.

Last Name: Kennedy Locality: Orange

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.

Last Name: Wade Organization: Sunrise Movement Virginia Locality: STAFFORD

HB1090: Voter identifications bills are redundant and are a really lazy solution to a nonexistent problem. It's such an embarrassing waste of time to even be discussing this when the majority of eligible people don't even vote. Stop wasting time nitpicking on this and instead focus on an important issue like rising sea levels or outrageous housing prices.

Last Name: Martin Locality: Fairfax

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.

Last Name: Wade Organization: Sunrise Movement Virginia Locality: STAFFORD

Voter identifications bills are redundant and are a really lazy solution to a nonexistent problem. It's such an embarrassing waste of time to even be discussing this when the majority of eligible people don't even vote. Stop wasting time nitpicking on this and instead focus on an important issue like rising sea levels or outrageous housing prices.

Last Name: Greenberg Locality: Arlington

I absolutely despise these bills. Our elections aren’t fraudulent and have no fraud that would change the outcome of a single election, so what’s the point of these bills? Why do you want to make voting harder? What’s the purpose of these extra hoops to jump through? These bills should be shot down quickly.

Last Name: Andre Locality: Rappahannock

I strongly oppose HB1090. Unless approved photo identification is provided free to all eligible voters, the requirement constitutes a poll tax. If you were to create a situation whereby there is automatic voter registration for all eligible voters, and issuance of a free, approved identification card, then this requirement would be acceptable. Until that happens, this would simply place a burden on the poor and the elderly (who may no longer need a license to drive). That is not acceptable.

Last Name: Karabinos Locality: Chesterfield

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

Last Name: Richardson Locality: Newport News

I support all bills that require voter ID. There is no reason for not being able to obtain a photo ID. I also agree voters should have the right to designate in the voter records that a photo ID is required to cast a vote under said name

Last Name: Porter Locality: York County

Requiring photo ID to vote, when the same requirement exists to receive other government benefits, receive a vaccination, etc., is a a common-sense requirement. Unfortunately, common sense seemed to have left the building over the last two years; perhaps it has returned.

Last Name: Savage Locality: Fairfax County

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.

HB1141 - Absentee voting; return of absentee ballots, drop-off locations.
Last Name: Vest Locality: Loudoun

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

Last Name: Alley Locality: Albemarle County Earlysville Virginia

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

Last Name: McDaniel Locality: Fairfax

I am opposed to these bills that eliminate ballot drop boxes. I work as an Officer of Election on both Election Day and during early voting. Many voters are leery of using the USPS and many voters can't get to the Registrar's Office to deliver a ballot personally. Last year, voters appreciated having the option to deposit their completed ballots in drop boxes. The drop boxes are very secure. They do not increase the opportunity for fraud. Eliminating them creates an undue burden to voters.

Last Name: McDaniel Locality: Fairfax

I am opposed to these bills that eliminate ballot drop boxes. I work as an Officer of Election on both Election Day and during early voting. Many voters are leery of using the USPS and many voters can't get to the Registrar's Office to deliver a ballot personally. Last year, voters appreciated having the option to deposit their completed ballots in drop boxes. The drop boxes are very secure. They do not increase the opportunity for fraud. Eliminating them creates an undue burden to voters.

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

Please move to report HB34, 35, 36, 39, 178, 528, 1090, 1141 to protect minority votes which can be diluted by fraudulent votes and places blame unfairly on minorities for questionable voting practices. Against HB177, 196 because those can affect handicapped/disabled. If they are left for them, then no problems.

Last Name: Belchak Locality: Hampton

I support HB's: 34, 35, 36, 39, 177, 178, 196, 198, 528, 1141, because we need to have a system where all Virginia voters can have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Without these reforms, loop holes are left open that can allow third party organizations, or campaigns, to manipulate ballets, steal ballets from voters, or manufacture fraudulent voters. We need election reform now! Thank you.

Last Name: Leon Locality: Fluvanna

Available at all voting locations and registrars office.

Last Name: Boyer Locality: Fairfax County

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

Last Name: Mashburn Organization: League of Women Voters Locality: Abingdon, VA

It is very important that Virginia has an uncomplicated and accessible method of voting for every citizen to register their preference. Fraud is not a big problem, so obstacles should not be placed in the way of voters.

Last Name: Kimberlin Locality: Fredericksburg

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.

Last Name: Martin Locality: Fairfax

Drop off locations make it easier for Virginians to vote. Do not repeal a system that works for many Virginians.

Last Name: Marie Locality: ARLINGTON

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.

Last Name: Martin Locality: Fairfax

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.

Last Name: Karabinos Locality: Chesterfield

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

End of Comments