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The League of Women Voters of Virginia supports HB 86. The Department of Elections’ current campaign finance database is inadequate for voters who want to know who is making contributions to a particular candidate, and how much has been contributed. We agree that the privately funded services currently available, including VPAP in particular, are helpful. However, because this is data required to be collected by the government for voters to use in assessing candidates, the government should take on the responsibility to make the data easily accessible to voters. Virginia voters should not have to rely on the largesse of private funders to obtain this access to the campaign finance data required by current law.

Jessica Mott, VA Chapter of American Promise: As a member of the Virginia Chapter of American Promise, I request that you please vote for HB86 and HB 492. Passage of this and other campaign finance reform legislation to improve disclosure and oversight is crucial to making legislators more accountable to voters, and restoring people’s trust in government. A recent poll by Christopher Newport University’s Wason Center found that 88% of Virginians support improved public disclosure of campaign contributions. The enactment of HB86 would strengthen disclosure by upgrading the campaign finance database so that it is publicly accessible, searchable and sortable. By making disaggregated data publicly available, it would complement the analysis and digested data provided by VPAP, and enable resolution of issues such as double-counting and consistency. The upgraded campaign finance reporting standards and software would make report compilation easier and increase completeness and accuracy. Its incremental cost would be relatively small. The enactment of H B492 would address a fundamental gap in oversight by providing the Department of Elections with the authority to review campaign finance reports and records. The use of a “review” rather than an audit, and the proposed sample sizes are cost effective and appropriate. The review system and associated campaign report requirements, together with the use of algorithms for campaigns and reviewers to identify and address shortcomings in reports, should make campaign finance information more complete and accurate, and help ensure compliance. The incremental budget requirement would also be relatively small. Thank you for this opportunity to testify.

Nancy Morgan Coordinator of the VA Chapter of American Promise.Thanks for Del Anderson for this bill which we support.. The Department of Election currently has no system for public access to campaign finance data yet it is the state’s role, as the only entity that has the ability to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this information, to ensure access to the general public. We think that VPAP provides useful analysis but it is not appropriate, nor the responsibility of a non-profit privately managed entity, funded by donors, to be the sole source of data on campaign finance records. One of the recommendations of the Campaign Legal Center to the Joint Sub-Committee of Campaign Finance Reform was to ensure access to this information on the Dept’s website through easy-to-use, online portal where voters can search and access public records related to campaign spending and the sources of contributions. We are one of the few states in the country in which there is no investment in publically managed disclosure of campaign finance records to the general public. This bill responds to that recommendation.

As a member of the Virginia Chapter of American Promise, I ask you to please vote for HB86 andHB 492. Passage of campaign finance reform legislation to improve disclosure and oversight is crucial to holding legislators accountable to voters, and restoring people’s trust in government. A recent poll by Christopher Newport University’s Wason Center found that 88% of Virginians support public disclosure of campaign contributions. HB86 would strengthen disclosure by upgrading the campaign finance database to make it publicly accessible, searchable and sortable. Upgraded campaign finance reporting standards and software would make reporting easier, more accurate and complete. H B492 would provide the Department of Elections with the authority to review campaign finance reports and records. This could make campaign finance information more complete and accurate, and help ensure compliance.

All bills that will reflect a stronger more secure election in the future. Considering both sides, Trump and Biden, have spoken in regards to those concerns, these should be reported on with bipartisan approval. Thank you.

The League of Women Voters of Virginia supports HB 492. Ideally, the Department of Elections would have the resources to audit every campaign committee for each election. We recognize that Virginia currently does not have such resources, but the existing system, which provides no routine audits of campaign committees, gives voters no confidence that submitted reports are accurate. A review of a percentage of campaign committees, with the necessary report, will provide a strong incentive to each campaign committee to prepare accurate reports and give voters a greater assurance that their reports can be relied upon.

The League of Women Voters of Virginia supports HB 86. The Department of Elections’ current campaign finance database is inadequate for voters who want to know who is making contributions to a particular candidate, and how much has been contributed. The private services currently available, including VPAP, which have been developed in lieu of an adequate public site, are not a good substitute for voters who want to access the information that candidates are required by Virginia law to provide.

Our team from Money Out Virginia, the VA affiliate of the nation-wide American Promise campaign finance reform advocacy organization, worked hard this past year with the "Joint Subcommittee to Study Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform," and produced a "Citizens' Report" for the Subcommittee that articulated principles and priorities for improving transparency, preventing corrupt campaign finance practices and moving towards more equity in campaign financing in Virginia elections. The partnership between the Subcommittee and Money Out Virginia has resulted in a series of important bills that improve the requirements, process and electronic infrastructure for disclosure of campaign donations. We strongly support Delegate Bulova's HB 492, HB495, and HB500, Delegate Helmer's HB489, Delegate Anderson's HB86 and Delegate Davis' HB125, which provides for penalties for violations of disclosure laws. We also support Delegate Bulova's HJ53 to extend the mandate of the Joint Subcommittee so that we can continue our partnership in developing sensible campaign finance reforms for Virginia.

Jessica Mott, VA Chapter of American Promise: HB86 (publicly accessible database): We support this bill. A recent poll indicates that 88% of Virginians support public disclosure of all contributions. This enactment of this bill would strengthen disclosure by requiring that the database containing the information from campaign finance reports be publicly accessible, searchable, and sortable. It also requires that the Board of Elections set standards that should help ensure that the data is complete, accurate, and helps verify compliance with campaign finance legal requirements. Its adoption should help facilitate the efficient use of algorithms and electronic cross-checking to promote compliance by reporting entities and the reliability of the information in the database. It compliments the other proposed disclosure bills, HB495, HB500 and HB489, as well as the proposed oversight bill HB492. HB489 (electioneering): We support this bill, Its passage would help reduce one significant form of dark money support by making this support transparent. It adopts a definition of electioneering that is already utilized in other jurisdictions. It would help ensure that campaign finance disclosure includes not only ads that directly advocate support or opposition to candidates, but also ads close to election dates that imply support or opposition in ways that are likely intended to influence election outcomes. It also requires public disclosure within ads of top 3 donors. SB318, its counterpart, was approved by the Senate with bipartisan support on January 24th. HB 492 (record retention, guidance and review): We support this bill. It deals with a number of issues discussed by the Joint Subcommittee on Campaign Finance. It requires improved instructions for report forms, along with assistance to campaign offices, and clearly defines the campaign office responsibilities for record retention for expenditures above $500. It addresses a fundamental gap in oversight by providing the Department of Elections with the authority to review campaign finance reports and records. The proposed sample sizes are cost effective and appropriate (100% of state-wide candidates, 10% of state legislature candidates and 1% of other offices for campaigns costing more than $25,000). These and other provisions should help enable cross-checking of data, and the use of algorithms for campaigns and reviewers to identify and address report shortcomings related to completeness, accuracy and compliance. We note that it would help ensure meaningful implementation of proposed HB973, restricting personal use of campaign funds. HB495 (electronic filing): We support this bill. We commend the inclusion of electronic filing of independent expenditures, as well as by all candidates except for candidates running for local office who raise less than $25,000. It addresses measures that were discussed and agreed in principle by the Joint Subcommittee on Campaign Finance Reform. The parts of it pertaining to candidates are largely comparable to SB222 which has been approved by the Senate P&E Committee and was approved by unanimous vote by the Senate on January 24. HB500 (electioneering): We support this bill. We appreciate that it enhances disclosure by expanding advertisement provisions to include more forms of electioneering communications. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Thank you for this opportunity to testify.

Nancy Morga,n Coordinator of the VA Chapter of American Promise. We support Delegate Anderson's bill. The Department of Election currently has no system for public access to campaign finance data; yet, it is the state’s role, as the only entity that has the ability to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this information, to ensure access to the general public. One of the recommendations of the Campaign Legal Center to the Joint Sub-Committee of Campaign Finance Reform was to ensure access to this information on the Dept’s website through easy-to-use, online portal where voters can search and access public records related to campaign spending and the sources of contributions. This bill responds to that recommendation.

Nancy Morga,n Coordinator of the VA Chapter of American Promise. We support Delegate Anderson's bill. The Department of Election currently has no system for public access to campaign finance data; yet, it is the state’s role, as the only entity that has the ability to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this information, to ensure access to the general public. One of the recommendations of the Campaign Legal Center to the Joint Sub-Committee of Campaign Finance Reform was to ensure access to this information on the Dept’s website through easy-to-use, online portal where voters can search and access public records related to campaign spending and the sources of contributions. This bill responds to that recommendation.

I strongly support HB86. It would greatly enhance full public disclosure of campaign contributions, something that is desired by the vast majority of citizens of the commonwealth. The bill specifically requires the State Board of Elections create a computerized campaign finance database, standards for electronic submission of campaign finance, and portal or interface that allows users to easily search for and sort campaign finance information. I strongly support HB495. A vast majority of Virginians want full disclosure, including of independent expenditures. This bill introduces reporting requirements on all independent expenditures as well as improving reporting by candidates and committees. all reports must be filed electronically. It also closes a loophole which forces out-of-state monies, such as through out-of-state PACs, to be reported to the Dept of Elections. Public access to reports, including independent expenditures is also ensured by a web based, user friendly portal. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments, Bill MIllhouser

I am writing in support of Del. Tim Anderson HB86 Elections; campaign finance; disclosure reports; searchable electronic database. Requires the Department of Elections to provide an interface to the campaign finance database maintained by the Department that allows users to easily search for and sort information by individual candidates and types of elections, offices, committees, and donors; donations, expenditures, loans, and other categories of information included in campaign finance reports; and late filings, incomplete filings, and other violations. The interface shall also provide users tools for manipulating and exporting data. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2023. • Public access to campaign finance data by state agencies is a best practice implemented by most states • This type of access and public availability of campaign finance data is appreciated by 88 percent of Virginians who support full disclosure. • It was recommended by the Campaign Legal Center to the Joint Sub-committee on campaign finance reform which met last year over the Aug-Oct period. • Can only improve Virginia’s standing nationally on transparency. Right now we rank 46 out of 50 on the SWAMP Index, a national scorecard for state specific regulations which promote transparency and accountability. • This needs funding and staff allocated. Mindy Mitchell 3601 5th St S Arlington VA 22204

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

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

All bills that will reflect a stronger more secure election in the future. Considering both sides, Trump and Biden, have spoken in regards to those concerns, these should be reported on with bipartisan approval. Thank you.

The League of Women Voters of Virginia supports HB 125. Current campaign finance laws need to be clarified and strengthened with regard to political campaign advertisements that advocate against a candidate. Under current law, those sponsoring ads, which clearly should be reported even under the spirit of current law, are specifically using vague terms to escape being identified and reported. This bill will eliminate that ambiguity.

Our team from Money Out Virginia, the VA affiliate of the nation-wide American Promise campaign finance reform advocacy organization, worked hard this past year with the "Joint Subcommittee to Study Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform," and produced a "Citizens' Report" for the Subcommittee that articulated principles and priorities for improving transparency, preventing corrupt campaign finance practices and moving towards more equity in campaign financing in Virginia elections. The partnership between the Subcommittee and Money Out Virginia has resulted in a series of important bills that improve the requirements, process and electronic infrastructure for disclosure of campaign donations. We strongly support Delegate Bulova's HB 492, HB495, and HB500, Delegate Helmer's HB489, Delegate Anderson's HB86 and Delegate Davis' HB125, which provides for penalties for violations of disclosure laws. We also support Delegate Bulova's HJ53 to extend the mandate of the Joint Subcommittee so that we can continue our partnership in developing sensible campaign finance reforms for Virginia.

Nancy Morgan, Coordinator of the VA Chapter of American Promise. We support this bill. It should be noted that the last election was the most expensive in Virginia’s history and a record $7 million in obscure ads were launched, attacking candidates of both parties. There needs to be financial disincentives to launching obscure attack ads against candidates. It should be noted that in order for this legislation to be enacted, HB 492 needs to be passed which is the first step to building an effective monitoring and oversight capacity within the Department of Elections. Right now, the Dept doesn’t have the capacity, either in staff or financing, to undertake effective oversight of any existing campaign finance laws, such as the "Stand-by-your ad" Act.

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 support HB 205 to prohibit private financing from influencing the General Registrar activities, including hiring staff or contractors, paying for or providing free training, and purchasing equipment. We need to keep elections and the staff that run them free from conflicts of interest. HB 205 will increase trust in elections by keeping the influence of private money out of election system operations. Billionaires should not be allowed to buy up and influence the nonpartisan election operations. Virginians deserve to know their votes will be counted by someone free from outside influence and partisan funding.

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.

This bill prohibits private financing from influencing General Registrar activity . Please support this bill . Election officials are there to guarantee a fair election free from fraud and voter tampering. Absolutely no gifts of funding should be allowed in order to safeguard the election process.

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.

Comments Document

Dear Chairman Ransone, Representative Wachsmann, distinguished Members of the Committee: Thank you for allowing me to submit this testimony. I’m Scott Walter, a resident of Sterling, Virginia, and president of the Capital Research Center in Washington, D.C., a 37-year-old think tank that is a watchdog on nonprofits. I do not presume to tell you how to vote on H.B. 205 but only to tell you, as an expert on nonprofit funding, the question you face: Should the Commonwealth’s elections be governed by you, the people’s representatives, or by megadonors? Personally, as a Virginia citizen I do not want donors—from anywhere on the political spectrum—or the nonprofits they use, to manipulate elections through gifts to government offices. I want you, our democratically elected officials, to regulate Virginia’s elections, not megadonors from either party. Neither donors nor “nonpartisan” nonprofits can be trusted to keep their thumbs off the scale when they have millions in their hands. I was not surprised after testifying to your Senate counterparts to see that every single committee member from both parties recognized the dangers I am describing and voted to pass a similar bill. At Capital Research Center, we have studied exhaustively one megadonor’s use of two supposedly nonpartisan nonprofits to send funds to government election offices in nearly every state, to the documented benefit of his preferred political party. But because this is a bipartisan problem, I won’t name either party in my testimony. While one party benefitted dramatically in 2020, next time the other party’s donors may pull the same trick. All of us should want to avoid that. I’ll call the lucky folks last time, “Party 1,” and the main “nonpartisan” nonprofit that benefitted them “Group 1.” Group 1 received hundreds of millions of dollars in 2020 from one out-of-state billionaire. Nearly 4 million of those dollars came into government election offices in Virginia. The critical question is how much money went to which election offices. I am not claiming the money funded fraud, only that it funded turnout targeted to help one side. For the sake of argument, I am happy to assume that not one vote in Virginia was cast fraudulently, and not one vote was miscounted. Even if that were true, it is scandalous that this outside money boosted turnout for Party 1 in its most vote-rich jurisdictions. This is a new scheme in our politics, but we all know that when one party crafts a novel weapon and wins, the other party will add the weapon to its arsenal. Do you want to keep this legal loophole open and allow such an arms race? Our analysis found that a pattern repeats in every battleground state. First, Group 1 is far more likely to fund election jurisdictions that are rich with Party 1 votes. Second, it funds those jurisdictions much more heavily per capita. Election expert J. Christian Adams sums it up: Group 1’s cash “converted election offices in key jurisdictions with deep reservoirs of [Party 1] votes into Formula One turnout machines.” That’s what happened last time. Next time, the opposite could happen—if you allow it. Thank you. (Attached is a breakdown of the specifics in the Virginia 2020 election.)

HB71 - VEPCO's comments on 2/1/22 were that they had first amendment rights. They do, but NOT to run this state and its people into the ground in the name of profits. Virginia: owned and operated by VEPCO is a saying that should not occur but it is. HB85, HB174, 205, 524, 575, 973, 1296, 1302 - This helps the people. Please move to report.

HB205: This legislation 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. HB71: If adopted, this bill would add protection from bias to elections. It would protect from corruption in the marketplace by prohibiting public utility entities from making financial contributions to candidates campaigning for political office.

All bills that will reflect a stronger more secure election in the future. Considering both sides, Trump and Biden, have spoken in regards to those concerns, these should be reported on with bipartisan approval. Thank you.

I support both these bills. Private money brings in and opens the door to corruption.

I support these bills. As demonstrated in similar instances, private money opens the door to signifant risk of corruption untelible for our great Commonwealth annd her constituents.

I support these bills. Private money brings in and opens the door to corruption.

I strongly support these bills.

I support these bills. Private money causes corruption.

I support these bills. Private money brings in and opens the door to corruption.

I am in favor of HB205 HB1101

HB205 and HB1101

I support these bills. Private money brings in and opens the door to corruption.

I support these bills to keep private money, gifts from buying off state and local elections and officials in Virginia. Even under the purest motives, private election funding given to government offices is inappropriate and creates distrust. I am a minority here in Virginia. We work hard to take good care of our family. I am not a millionaire or billionaire, and I have no issue with those who are, but they should NOT be allowed to buy off our election officials and their offices. It is wrong to allow private funding of our government offices by anyone. Thank you for appreciating my position. Please show your support for minorities and regular Virginians by supporting

If you care about Virginia and every person as a voter, I urge you to pass HB205 - Wachsmann and also HB1101 – LaRock to keep private money from influencing and buying off state and local elections and officials in Virginia. The companion bill to this was passed yesterday in the Senate P&E committee it is now up to you to pass this bill in the House P&E! Even under the purest motives, private election funding given to government offices is inappropriate and creates distrust. We work hard to take good care of our family. I am not a millionaire or billionaire, and I have no issue with those who are, but they should not be allowed to buy off our election officials and their offices. It is wrong to allow private funding of our government offices by anyone. Thank you for appreciating my position. Please show your support for minorities and regular Virginians by supporting HB205 - Wachsmann and also HB1101 – LaRock today in this committee. Do not pass it by or lay it on the table, but vote YES and pass it out of committee. 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.

Our team from Money Out Virginia, the VA affiliate of the nation-wide American Promise campaign finance reform advocacy organization, worked hard this past year with the "Joint Subcommittee to Study Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform," and produced a "Citizens' Report" for the Subcommittee that articulated principles and priorities for improving transparency, preventing corrupt campaign finance practices and moving towards more equity in campaign financing in Virginia elections. The partnership between the Subcommittee and Money Out Virginia has resulted in a series of important bills that improve the requirements, process and electronic infrastructure for disclosure of campaign donations. We strongly support Delegate Bulova's HB 492, HB495, and HB500, Delegate Helmer's HB489, Delegate Anderson's HB86 and Delegate Davis' HB125, which provides for penalties for violations of disclosure laws. We also support Delegate Bulova's HJ53 to extend the mandate of the Joint Subcommittee so that we can continue our partnership in developing sensible campaign finance reforms for Virginia.

Jessica Mott, VA Chapter of American Promise: HB86 (publicly accessible database): We support this bill. A recent poll indicates that 88% of Virginians support public disclosure of all contributions. This enactment of this bill would strengthen disclosure by requiring that the database containing the information from campaign finance reports be publicly accessible, searchable, and sortable. It also requires that the Board of Elections set standards that should help ensure that the data is complete, accurate, and helps verify compliance with campaign finance legal requirements. Its adoption should help facilitate the efficient use of algorithms and electronic cross-checking to promote compliance by reporting entities and the reliability of the information in the database. It compliments the other proposed disclosure bills, HB495, HB500 and HB489, as well as the proposed oversight bill HB492. HB489 (electioneering): We support this bill, Its passage would help reduce one significant form of dark money support by making this support transparent. It adopts a definition of electioneering that is already utilized in other jurisdictions. It would help ensure that campaign finance disclosure includes not only ads that directly advocate support or opposition to candidates, but also ads close to election dates that imply support or opposition in ways that are likely intended to influence election outcomes. It also requires public disclosure within ads of top 3 donors. SB318, its counterpart, was approved by the Senate with bipartisan support on January 24th. HB 492 (record retention, guidance and review): We support this bill. It deals with a number of issues discussed by the Joint Subcommittee on Campaign Finance. It requires improved instructions for report forms, along with assistance to campaign offices, and clearly defines the campaign office responsibilities for record retention for expenditures above $500. It addresses a fundamental gap in oversight by providing the Department of Elections with the authority to review campaign finance reports and records. The proposed sample sizes are cost effective and appropriate (100% of state-wide candidates, 10% of state legislature candidates and 1% of other offices for campaigns costing more than $25,000). These and other provisions should help enable cross-checking of data, and the use of algorithms for campaigns and reviewers to identify and address report shortcomings related to completeness, accuracy and compliance. We note that it would help ensure meaningful implementation of proposed HB973, restricting personal use of campaign funds. HB495 (electronic filing): We support this bill. We commend the inclusion of electronic filing of independent expenditures, as well as by all candidates except for candidates running for local office who raise less than $25,000. It addresses measures that were discussed and agreed in principle by the Joint Subcommittee on Campaign Finance Reform. The parts of it pertaining to candidates are largely comparable to SB222 which has been approved by the Senate P&E Committee and was approved by unanimous vote by the Senate on January 24. HB500 (electioneering): We support this bill. We appreciate that it enhances disclosure by expanding advertisement provisions to include more forms of electioneering communications. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Thank you for this opportunity to testify.

Nancy Morgan: Members of the VA Chapter of American Promise support this bill which addresses many of the gaps in the Virginia code related to ensuring more accountability for funding of ads, whether on-line, radio, TV, and print. It addresses independent expenditures also, as does a very complementary bill submitted by Delegate Bulova. 88 percent of Virginia voters want disclosure and more transparency in reporting. We thank Delegate Helmer for this bill which addresses some of the gaps highlighted in the Joint Sub-Committee on Campaign Finance Reform which met last year. It also addresses recommendations on improving disclosure in Virginia by the Campaign Legal Center. This bill mirrors a bill being introduced on the House side by Senator Favola which has passed through the Senate P&E committee and was approved by the Senate on Jan. 24th by a bipartisan vote of 23-15.

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.

The League of Women Voters of Virginia supports HB 492. Ideally, the Department of Elections would have the resources to audit every campaign committee for each election. We recognize that Virginia currently does not have such resources, but the existing system, which provides no routine audits of campaign committees, gives voters no confidence that submitted reports are accurate. A review of a percentage of campaign committees, with the necessary report, will provide a strong incentive to each campaign committee to prepare accurate reports and give voters a greater assurance that their reports can be relied upon.

Jessica Mott, VA Chapter of American Promise: As a member of the Virginia Chapter of American Promise, I request that you please vote for HB86 and HB 492. Passage of this and other campaign finance reform legislation to improve disclosure and oversight is crucial to making legislators more accountable to voters, and restoring people’s trust in government. A recent poll by Christopher Newport University’s Wason Center found that 88% of Virginians support improved public disclosure of campaign contributions. The enactment of HB86 would strengthen disclosure by upgrading the campaign finance database so that it is publicly accessible, searchable and sortable. By making disaggregated data publicly available, it would complement the analysis and digested data provided by VPAP, and enable resolution of issues such as double-counting and consistency. The upgraded campaign finance reporting standards and software would make report compilation easier and increase completeness and accuracy. Its incremental cost would be relatively small. The enactment of H B492 would address a fundamental gap in oversight by providing the Department of Elections with the authority to review campaign finance reports and records. The use of a “review” rather than an audit, and the proposed sample sizes are cost effective and appropriate. The review system and associated campaign report requirements, together with the use of algorithms for campaigns and reviewers to identify and address shortcomings in reports, should make campaign finance information more complete and accurate, and help ensure compliance. The incremental budget requirement would also be relatively small. Thank you for this opportunity to testify.

Nancy Morgan, Coordinator of the VA Chapter of American Promise. We support this bill because it contributes towards building a solid structure of campaign finance monitoring and enforcement. Virginia, as mentioned in last year's Joint Subcommittee on Campaign Finance which met last year over the August-October period, currently doesn’t have the ability to provide oversight of existing regulation, such as the “Stand-by-your ad” nor does it have the regulatory oversight capacity to undertake basic monitoring of campaign finance reports. Part of the reason, VA ranks 46 out 50 in the SWAMP index, a ranking of states based on criteria related to transparency and accountability is deficiencies in enforcing its own regulations. This bill moves to address key deficiencies within the Department of Elections, including lack of ability/authority to monitor and audit campaign finance reports, require retention of records and identify inconsistencies in filing. This is considered national best practice as testimony to the Joint Subcommittee by the Campaign Legal Center, a national institution with an expertise on campaign finance systems.

As a member of the Virginia Chapter of American Promise, I ask you to please vote for HB86 andHB 492. Passage of campaign finance reform legislation to improve disclosure and oversight is crucial to holding legislators accountable to voters, and restoring people’s trust in government. A recent poll by Christopher Newport University’s Wason Center found that 88% of Virginians support public disclosure of campaign contributions. HB86 would strengthen disclosure by upgrading the campaign finance database to make it publicly accessible, searchable and sortable. Upgraded campaign finance reporting standards and software would make reporting easier, more accurate and complete. H B492 would provide the Department of Elections with the authority to review campaign finance reports and records. This could make campaign finance information more complete and accurate, and help ensure compliance.

The League of Women Voters of Virginia supports HB 492. Ideally, the Department of Elections would have the resources to audit every campaign committee for each election. We recognize that Virginia currently does not have such resources, but the existing system, which provides no routine audits of campaign committees, gives voters no confidence that submitted reports are accurate. A review of a percentage of campaign committees, with the necessary report, will provide a strong incentive to each campaign committee to prepare accurate reports and give voters a greater assurance that their reports can be relied upon.

Our team from Money Out Virginia, the VA affiliate of the nation-wide American Promise campaign finance reform advocacy organization, worked hard this past year with the "Joint Subcommittee to Study Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform," and produced a "Citizens' Report" for the Subcommittee that articulated principles and priorities for improving transparency, preventing corrupt campaign finance practices and moving towards more equity in campaign financing in Virginia elections. The partnership between the Subcommittee and Money Out Virginia has resulted in a series of important bills that improve the requirements, process and electronic infrastructure for disclosure of campaign donations. We strongly support Delegate Bulova's HB 492, HB495, and HB500, Delegate Helmer's HB489, Delegate Anderson's HB86 and Delegate Davis' HB125, which provides for penalties for violations of disclosure laws. We also support Delegate Bulova's HJ53 to extend the mandate of the Joint Subcommittee so that we can continue our partnership in developing sensible campaign finance reforms for Virginia.

Jessica Mott, VA Chapter of American Promise: HB86 (publicly accessible database): We support this bill. A recent poll indicates that 88% of Virginians support public disclosure of all contributions. This enactment of this bill would strengthen disclosure by requiring that the database containing the information from campaign finance reports be publicly accessible, searchable, and sortable. It also requires that the Board of Elections set standards that should help ensure that the data is complete, accurate, and helps verify compliance with campaign finance legal requirements. Its adoption should help facilitate the efficient use of algorithms and electronic cross-checking to promote compliance by reporting entities and the reliability of the information in the database. It compliments the other proposed disclosure bills, HB495, HB500 and HB489, as well as the proposed oversight bill HB492. HB489 (electioneering): We support this bill, Its passage would help reduce one significant form of dark money support by making this support transparent. It adopts a definition of electioneering that is already utilized in other jurisdictions. It would help ensure that campaign finance disclosure includes not only ads that directly advocate support or opposition to candidates, but also ads close to election dates that imply support or opposition in ways that are likely intended to influence election outcomes. It also requires public disclosure within ads of top 3 donors. SB318, its counterpart, was approved by the Senate with bipartisan support on January 24th. HB 492 (record retention, guidance and review): We support this bill. It deals with a number of issues discussed by the Joint Subcommittee on Campaign Finance. It requires improved instructions for report forms, along with assistance to campaign offices, and clearly defines the campaign office responsibilities for record retention for expenditures above $500. It addresses a fundamental gap in oversight by providing the Department of Elections with the authority to review campaign finance reports and records. The proposed sample sizes are cost effective and appropriate (100% of state-wide candidates, 10% of state legislature candidates and 1% of other offices for campaigns costing more than $25,000). These and other provisions should help enable cross-checking of data, and the use of algorithms for campaigns and reviewers to identify and address report shortcomings related to completeness, accuracy and compliance. We note that it would help ensure meaningful implementation of proposed HB973, restricting personal use of campaign funds. HB495 (electronic filing): We support this bill. We commend the inclusion of electronic filing of independent expenditures, as well as by all candidates except for candidates running for local office who raise less than $25,000. It addresses measures that were discussed and agreed in principle by the Joint Subcommittee on Campaign Finance Reform. The parts of it pertaining to candidates are largely comparable to SB222 which has been approved by the Senate P&E Committee and was approved by unanimous vote by the Senate on January 24. HB500 (electioneering): We support this bill. We appreciate that it enhances disclosure by expanding advertisement provisions to include more forms of electioneering communications. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Thank you for this opportunity to testify.

Nancy Morgan, Coordinator of the VA Chapter of American Promise. We support this bill because critical to the foundation of a campaign finance system is a solid structure of monitoring and enforcement. Virginia, as mentioned in the Joint Subcommittee, currently doesn’t have the ability to provide oversight of existing regulation, such as the “Stand-by-your ad” nor does it have the regulatory oversight capacity to undertake basic monitoring of campaign finance reports. Part of the reason, VA ranks 46 out 50 in the SWAMP index, a ranking of states based on criteria related to transparency and accountability is deficiencies in enforcing its own regulations. This bill moves to address key deficiencies within the Department of Elections, which include lack of ability/authority to monitor and audit campaign finance reports, require retention of records and identify inconsistencies in filing.

I am writing in support of Del David Bulova HB 492 Campaign finance; record retention requirements and reviews of campaign finance disclosure reports. Requires campaign committee treasurers to retain certain records that may be used in reviews of campaign committee accounts. The bill gives the Department of Elections the authority and duty to conduct reviews of a percentage of campaign committees and to report the results of such reviews annually to the State Board of Elections, the Governor, the and General Assembly and make such report available on the Department's website. • Currently the Department of Elections has very weak oversight (monitoring and enforcement) of campaign finance regulations. They can’t even monitor existing regulations like the “Stand-by-Your-Ad” act. • The provisions of this bill respond to recommendations in the draft report of the Sub-Committee on Campaign Finance Reform which met over the Aug-Oct period. • It improves disclosure of campaign finance information to the public. • Sets the stage for a robust system of monitoring and enforcing campaign finance reform which is very weak now, as revealed in our ranking in the 2020 SWAMP Index (46 out of 50 states) Mindy Mitchell 3601 5th St S Arlington, VA 22204

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.

Our team from Money Out Virginia, the VA affiliate of the nation-wide American Promise campaign finance reform advocacy organization, worked hard this past year with the "Joint Subcommittee to Study Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform," and produced a "Citizens' Report" for the Subcommittee that articulated principles and priorities for improving transparency, preventing corrupt campaign finance practices and moving towards more equity in campaign financing in Virginia elections. The partnership between the Subcommittee and Money Out Virginia has resulted in a series of important bills that improve the requirements, process and electronic infrastructure for disclosure of campaign donations. We strongly support Delegate Bulova's HB 492, HB495, and HB500, Delegate Helmer's HB489, Delegate Anderson's HB86 and Delegate Davis' HB125, which provides for penalties for violations of disclosure laws. We also support Delegate Bulova's HJ53 to extend the mandate of the Joint Subcommittee so that we can continue our partnership in developing sensible campaign finance reforms for Virginia.

Jessica Mott, VA Chapter of American Promise: HB86 (publicly accessible database): We support this bill. A recent poll indicates that 88% of Virginians support public disclosure of all contributions. This enactment of this bill would strengthen disclosure by requiring that the database containing the information from campaign finance reports be publicly accessible, searchable, and sortable. It also requires that the Board of Elections set standards that should help ensure that the data is complete, accurate, and helps verify compliance with campaign finance legal requirements. Its adoption should help facilitate the efficient use of algorithms and electronic cross-checking to promote compliance by reporting entities and the reliability of the information in the database. It compliments the other proposed disclosure bills, HB495, HB500 and HB489, as well as the proposed oversight bill HB492. HB489 (electioneering): We support this bill, Its passage would help reduce one significant form of dark money support by making this support transparent. It adopts a definition of electioneering that is already utilized in other jurisdictions. It would help ensure that campaign finance disclosure includes not only ads that directly advocate support or opposition to candidates, but also ads close to election dates that imply support or opposition in ways that are likely intended to influence election outcomes. It also requires public disclosure within ads of top 3 donors. SB318, its counterpart, was approved by the Senate with bipartisan support on January 24th. HB 492 (record retention, guidance and review): We support this bill. It deals with a number of issues discussed by the Joint Subcommittee on Campaign Finance. It requires improved instructions for report forms, along with assistance to campaign offices, and clearly defines the campaign office responsibilities for record retention for expenditures above $500. It addresses a fundamental gap in oversight by providing the Department of Elections with the authority to review campaign finance reports and records. The proposed sample sizes are cost effective and appropriate (100% of state-wide candidates, 10% of state legislature candidates and 1% of other offices for campaigns costing more than $25,000). These and other provisions should help enable cross-checking of data, and the use of algorithms for campaigns and reviewers to identify and address report shortcomings related to completeness, accuracy and compliance. We note that it would help ensure meaningful implementation of proposed HB973, restricting personal use of campaign funds. HB495 (electronic filing): We support this bill. We commend the inclusion of electronic filing of independent expenditures, as well as by all candidates except for candidates running for local office who raise less than $25,000. It addresses measures that were discussed and agreed in principle by the Joint Subcommittee on Campaign Finance Reform. The parts of it pertaining to candidates are largely comparable to SB222 which has been approved by the Senate P&E Committee and was approved by unanimous vote by the Senate on January 24. HB500 (electioneering): We support this bill. We appreciate that it enhances disclosure by expanding advertisement provisions to include more forms of electioneering communications. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Thank you for this opportunity to testify.

Nancy Morgan, Coordinator of the VA Chapter of American Promise. We support this bill. 88 percent of Virginians want full disclosure, including of independent expenditures. Last year nearly $7 million of opaque ads were funded which was used to attack candidates of both parties. This bill introduces reporting requirements on all independent expenditures as well as improving reporting by candidates and committees. We also appreciate the requirement that all reports be filed electronically. It also closes a loophole which forces out-of-state monies, such as through out-of-state PACs, to be reported to the Dept of Elections. One critical element is that all of this reporting, including independent expenditures, be available to the public through a web based, user friendly portal. This was a recommendation to the Joint Subcommittee on Campaign Finance (which met over the August-October period) by the Campaign Legal Center.

I strongly support HB86. It would greatly enhance full public disclosure of campaign contributions, something that is desired by the vast majority of citizens of the commonwealth. The bill specifically requires the State Board of Elections create a computerized campaign finance database, standards for electronic submission of campaign finance, and portal or interface that allows users to easily search for and sort campaign finance information. I strongly support HB495. A vast majority of Virginians want full disclosure, including of independent expenditures. This bill introduces reporting requirements on all independent expenditures as well as improving reporting by candidates and committees. all reports must be filed electronically. It also closes a loophole which forces out-of-state monies, such as through out-of-state PACs, to be reported to the Dept of Elections. Public access to reports, including independent expenditures is also ensured by a web based, user friendly portal. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments, Bill MIllhouser

I am in support of Delegate David Bulova Bill 495. The bill requires all independent expenditure and candidate campaign finance reports to be filed electronically with the Department of Elections. Under current law, such expenditure and finance reports can be filed either electronically or in writing with State Board of Elections. Electronic filing made available as soon as possible is an improvement. The bill also shifts administrative duties given to the State Board of Elections, such as the receipt of certain filings, to the Department of Elections which needs more staff and funding. • Responds to VA Voters support for complete disclosure (88 percent of Virginians want disclosure.) • Adheres to recommendations coming out of the Joint Sub-committee on Campaign Finance Reform. • Most other states require electronic filing and it makes it easier for legislators as the Dept can easily identify mistakes and respond quickly to legislators for rectification. • A companion bill in the Senate (Senator McPike SB222) passed through the Senate P&E committee with unanimous consent as it did on the floor of the Senate on Jan 24th. Mindy Mitchell 3601 5th St S. Arlington, VA 22204

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.

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.

Dear Committee Members, The rights of average citizens to engage in free speech and to keep rights of privacy are a hallmark in American Democracy and have allowed Americans to feel confident in their thoughts for over 200 years. Any infringement on them has a chilling effect on Americans truly disclosing their thoughts. Where would our democracy be if average citizens withheld from sharing their thoughts from each other: especially when their thoughts were unpopular? We can't hope to cripple anonymous speech and expect Americans to stand for what they know is right in their heart when others behave like it is wrong. A laboratory of ideas is the best way for the best ideas to rise to the top. Please vote no on HB500 which would force non-profits to disclose their donors and would have a chilling effect on people donating to the cause they believe in for fear of reprisal by government and others in society.

The League of Women Voters of Virginia supports HB 500. This bill addresses the need in Virginia to better define what is an “electioneering” expenditure. These changes would better ensure that Virginia law provides voters with more complete information on who is paying for these types of expenditures, in reflection of how campaigns are currently financed.

Our team from Money Out Virginia, the VA affiliate of the nation-wide American Promise campaign finance reform advocacy organization, worked hard this past year with the "Joint Subcommittee to Study Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform," and produced a "Citizens' Report" for the Subcommittee that articulated principles and priorities for improving transparency, preventing corrupt campaign finance practices and moving towards more equity in campaign financing in Virginia elections. The partnership between the Subcommittee and Money Out Virginia has resulted in a series of important bills that improve the requirements, process and electronic infrastructure for disclosure of campaign donations. We strongly support Delegate Bulova's HB 492, HB495, and HB500, Delegate Helmer's HB489, Delegate Anderson's HB86 and Delegate Davis' HB125, which provides for penalties for violations of disclosure laws. We also support Delegate Bulova's HJ53 to extend the mandate of the Joint Subcommittee so that we can continue our partnership in developing sensible campaign finance reforms for Virginia.

Jessica Mott, VA Chapter of American Promise: HB86 (publicly accessible database): We support this bill. A recent poll indicates that 88% of Virginians support public disclosure of all contributions. This enactment of this bill would strengthen disclosure by requiring that the database containing the information from campaign finance reports be publicly accessible, searchable, and sortable. It also requires that the Board of Elections set standards that should help ensure that the data is complete, accurate, and helps verify compliance with campaign finance legal requirements. Its adoption should help facilitate the efficient use of algorithms and electronic cross-checking to promote compliance by reporting entities and the reliability of the information in the database. It compliments the other proposed disclosure bills, HB495, HB500 and HB489, as well as the proposed oversight bill HB492. HB489 (electioneering): We support this bill, Its passage would help reduce one significant form of dark money support by making this support transparent. It adopts a definition of electioneering that is already utilized in other jurisdictions. It would help ensure that campaign finance disclosure includes not only ads that directly advocate support or opposition to candidates, but also ads close to election dates that imply support or opposition in ways that are likely intended to influence election outcomes. It also requires public disclosure within ads of top 3 donors. SB318, its counterpart, was approved by the Senate with bipartisan support on January 24th. HB 492 (record retention, guidance and review): We support this bill. It deals with a number of issues discussed by the Joint Subcommittee on Campaign Finance. It requires improved instructions for report forms, along with assistance to campaign offices, and clearly defines the campaign office responsibilities for record retention for expenditures above $500. It addresses a fundamental gap in oversight by providing the Department of Elections with the authority to review campaign finance reports and records. The proposed sample sizes are cost effective and appropriate (100% of state-wide candidates, 10% of state legislature candidates and 1% of other offices for campaigns costing more than $25,000). These and other provisions should help enable cross-checking of data, and the use of algorithms for campaigns and reviewers to identify and address report shortcomings related to completeness, accuracy and compliance. We note that it would help ensure meaningful implementation of proposed HB973, restricting personal use of campaign funds. HB495 (electronic filing): We support this bill. We commend the inclusion of electronic filing of independent expenditures, as well as by all candidates except for candidates running for local office who raise less than $25,000. It addresses measures that were discussed and agreed in principle by the Joint Subcommittee on Campaign Finance Reform. The parts of it pertaining to candidates are largely comparable to SB222 which has been approved by the Senate P&E Committee and was approved by unanimous vote by the Senate on January 24. HB500 (electioneering): We support this bill. We appreciate that it enhances disclosure by expanding advertisement provisions to include more forms of electioneering communications. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Thank you for this opportunity to testify.

Nancy Morgan, Coordinator of the VA Chapter of American Promise. Our group supports this bill which provides a valuable updating of definitions in the Virginia Code to allow all legislation to be more legally in tune to the challenges of money flowing into our elections from undisclosed sources. It was a recommendation of the CLC to the Joint Study committee to update many of these definitions in the code.

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 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.

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.

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.

Available at all voting locations and registrars office.

I support both these bills. Private money brings in and opens the door to corruption.

I support these bills. As demonstrated in similar instances, private money opens the door to signifant risk of corruption untelible for our great Commonwealth annd her constituents.

I support these bills. Private money brings in and opens the door to corruption.

I strongly support these bills.

I support these bills. Private money causes corruption.

I support these bills. Private money brings in and opens the door to corruption.

I am in favor of HB205 HB1101

I am in favor of HB 1101

HB205 and HB1101

I support these bills. Private money brings in and opens the door to corruption.

I support these bills to keep private money, gifts from buying off state and local elections and officials in Virginia. Even under the purest motives, private election funding given to government offices is inappropriate and creates distrust. I am a minority here in Virginia. We work hard to take good care of our family. I am not a millionaire or billionaire, and I have no issue with those who are, but they should NOT be allowed to buy off our election officials and their offices. It is wrong to allow private funding of our government offices by anyone. Thank you for appreciating my position. Please show your support for minorities and regular Virginians by supporting. Do not pass it by or lay it on the table, but vote YES and pass it out of committee. Thank you

I support these bills to keep private money, gifts from buying off state and local elections and officials in Virginia. Even under the purest motives, private election funding given to government offices is inappropriate and creates distrust. I am a minority here in Virginia. We work hard to take good care of our family. I am not a millionaire or billionaire, and I have no issue with those who are, but they should NOT be allowed to buy off our election officials and their offices. It is wrong to allow private funding of our government offices by anyone. Thank you for appreciating my position. Please show your support for minorities and regular Virginians by supporting

If you care about Virginia and every person as a voter, I urge you to pass HB205 - Wachsmann and also HB1101 – LaRock to keep private money from influencing and buying off state and local elections and officials in Virginia. The companion bill to this was passed yesterday in the Senate P&E committee it is now up to you to pass this bill in the House P&E! Even under the purest motives, private election funding given to government offices is inappropriate and creates distrust. We work hard to take good care of our family. I am not a millionaire or billionaire, and I have no issue with those who are, but they should not be allowed to buy off our election officials and their offices. It is wrong to allow private funding of our government offices by anyone. Thank you for appreciating my position. Please show your support for minorities and regular Virginians by supporting HB205 - Wachsmann and also HB1101 – LaRock today in this committee. Do not pass it by or lay it on the table, but vote YES and pass it out of committee. Thank you

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.

This bill would prevent organizations like the League of Women Voters and Get Out The Vote from providing voter registration, education and outreach. If you support private schools and allowing tax dollars to go to private educational institutions, you can hardly prohibit private organizations from using private funds to educate the public on elections. This bill is also a violation of free speech provided by the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

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 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.

Private funding should be unacceptable in any government voting system. This bill is sorely needed.