Public Comments for 02/09/2022 Privileges and Elections - Constitutional Amendments
HB880 - Elections; electronic return of voted military-overseas ballots.
NO MACHINES !! SEE FRANKSPEECH.COM, HOME PAGE PAPER BALLOTS ONLY, SPEAK WITH AMANDA CHASE IN VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE
I support HB 880. Let's test the use of improved technology to streamline the voting process for military-overseas ballots. Secure transmission means exist. The Department of Defense use them all the time. This is a limited trial and will be a good way to determine if the voting process is workable.
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.
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.
HB895 - Elections; local electoral boards & general registrars to perform certain risk-limiting audits, etc.
Attached are comments of the League of Women Voters of Virginia pertaining to three bills, HB 895, HB 1082, and HB 1140. The League supports HB 895 and HB 1140 but opposes HB 1082.
The League of Women Voters submits comments, as follows: HB 895 - In support of risk-limiting audits, the best way to determine whether the reported outcome of an election is correct; HB 1082 and HB 1109 - In opposition to giving cities and towns the option to revert from November elections to May elections because it suppresses turnout; HB1262 - In opposition to turning nonpartisan races into partisan races because it increases divisiveness and takes the focus away from electing a candidate based purely on suitability and competence
Voting is a constitutional right. Any law that restricts rather than expands our constitutional right & DUTY to vote is simply voter suppression. We must not repeal any expansions of absentee ballots. Do not decrease early voting. - extend the number of days allowed. Do not eliminate any ballot box locations- expand. We have no need to re-register absentee ballots every year. No excuse absentee voting is absolutely crucial. The state must provide easy and free access to voter ID if a photo is required. Since the USPS has slowed considerably, we must keep the 3 day rule for receiving ballots after election day. All local elections must be on Election Day (in Nov). Election Day should be a holiday. Until we do a complete overhaul of campaign finance & eliminate dark money/special interests there must be no restrictions on outreach, education & registration or from where a candidate may collect funds. Voter registration up to and including Election Day is absolutely crucial to ensure all citizens vote. I support all bills expanding our rights and abilities to make voting as easy as possible. I oppose all bills attempting to restrict any access to our ballot and our vote. The process is too important for the elected officials to be able to restrict us from our duty to be informed voters. Keep expanding our rights. Do not restrict, suppress or subvert them.
HB1031 - Elections; local offices, reapportionment and redistricting, effect of certain changes.
Please move to report all these bills.
I support HB 1082 and HB 1109? A Privileges and Elections Sub-Committee (#2) is meeting 7:00 a.m. Wednesday morning to review 2 Bills: HB 1082 & 1109 are written to repeal the Bill that moved Local Elections to November. Making a comment may help. (Some reasons are attached.)
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, Nancy Springer
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.
To those in the committee, I know that this bill will slow down what the law says about the school board mirroring the City Council in Virginia Beach. I also know that the School Board is supposed to be non partisan taking into account all the parents, students, and taxpayers opinions when deliberating resolutions and things like that that come up. However, I have witnessed otherwise; noting that decisions that seem to be of political interest bring about a partisan vote. Its always 7-3 pretty much. When considering this bill I decided that I am for it to slow down the process and make sure that the minority opinions on the board are represented by the few that they have. It is well known that a representative body of government should serve the minority as well. Otherwise , we have oppression. Thank you.
To those in the committee, I know that this bill will slow down what the law says about the school board mirroring the city council in Virginia Beach. I also know that the School Board is supposed to be none partisan taking into account all the parents, students, and taxpayers opinions when deliberating resolutions and things like that that come up. However, I have witnessed otherwise noting that decisions that seem to be of political interest bring about a partisan vote. Its always 7-3 pretty much. When considering this bill I decided that I am for it to slow down the process and make sure that the minority opinions on the board are represented by the few that they have.
HB1082 - Elections; time of certain local elections.
First, thank you all for the many, many hours, hard work, and energy you give to care for the citizens of VA, not during this Session, but in the months preceding as you prepared. For 171 years, PROUDLY, Virginia has been one of 5 states that still holds its elections in odd years to distance the State from Federal issues. It is just as important to distance LOCALITIES from State and Federal issues, so we respectfully ask that the same consideration simply be given back to local government. It is critical for supplying the fairest, best-case scenario for our citizens and the successful, smooth operation of small local governments. • A non-partisan election is a “Hallmark of Local Elections”. • Hard as it may be to hear, non-partisan leadership is instrumental, as neighbors work together to care for local issues in our smaller localities. • Some City Charters even prohibit party affiliation. • The Hatch Act prohibits civil service employees in the federal government to take part in partisan elections—disqualifying some excellent leadership candidates. • Only the rich would be able to run because no one else could compete with Party money. o Having worked in media sales, the cost of a spot on TV or radio is 4-5 times MORE for the Nov. political window • Having the clarity of local issues NOT mixed with Federal/State . • Local candidates' names, especially those running for the 1st time, do not get lost. • Local Ballots are not as overwhelming to citizens as a “combined Ballot” • Pres. election years, local candidates will be listed on the back of the ballot. Please evaluate what is in the best interest of not only large cities but our small localities. Your decisions affect all of us. All Localities Having the choice is why we strongly and respectfully urge you to support HB 1082.
The Town of Vienna has traditionally held its elections for Mayor and a council on the first Tuesday in At at the Vienna Community Center. Holding the election at one polling place allows residents the opportunity to speak to every candidate. Residents in Vienna are involved and Ike to focus on local issues. Moving to November will require candidates to get around to different poling locations and all of us will not be in one place for voters. The town does a great job at informing its residents about the election by newsletter that is mailed to every household, a banner across the main street and social Media, website and cable channel. Please consider allowing towns and cities to have the option to return to their spring elections. Thank you for all you do!
I signed up yesterday to speak in favor of HB1082 this morning. However, the link I recieved is for CCT!!!
Please move to report HB68, HB46, HB1082.
Attached are comments of the League of Women Voters of Virginia pertaining to three bills, HB 895, HB 1082, and HB 1140. The League supports HB 895 and HB 1140 but opposes HB 1082.
Please move to report all these bills.
I would encourage members of this committee to consider the possibility of allowing localities to chose the option of local elections to be held in May, as opposed to lumping them together with state and/or national election cycles. HB. 1082 and HB 1109 would provide that option for localities. As a retired Virginia educator with 36 years experience as a Virginia and United States Government teacher, the idea of a "separation of elections" makes a great deal of sense. As citizens of our Commonwealth, we have always been proud of the fact that we give our state elections special emphasis by separating them from the national. That additional time allows for a more strategic focus of the Commonwealth's issues, giving her citizens time to focus on state needs instead of a national agenda. That same premise being used for local elections would make a great deal of sense. Overload of issues and candidates only serves to confuse the electorate. Simple straightforward presentation of the issues and the candidates for offices would encourage greater voter participation and involvement in the election. Local issues are the ones that affect voters most directly so it makes much more sense to allow local voters the chance to understand the candidates before them as well as the issues at hand. Longer "bedsheet" ballots will add to the costs of elections since more explanatory information will be required from the local and state board of elections. Just like the halls of Congress (and need I say the General Assembly), the more information you add to the process only muddied the waters. Voters will push back and not get involved in the electoral process because of the overwhelming nature of the beast. The old adage of keeping it simple and understandable really does work! Keep local elections separate, and just like the infamous "Field of Dreams", they will come!
The League of Women Voters submits comments, as follows: HB 895 - In support of risk-limiting audits, the best way to determine whether the reported outcome of an election is correct; HB 1082 and HB 1109 - In opposition to giving cities and towns the option to revert from November elections to May elections because it suppresses turnout; HB1262 - In opposition to turning nonpartisan races into partisan races because it increases divisiveness and takes the focus away from electing a candidate based purely on suitability and competence
Voter ID required, limit mail in ballots, no drop boxes, cutoff for registration to vote 2 -3 weeks prior, citizens only, clean voter registration polls weekly, modify length of residency to qualify to register
I support HB 1082 and HB 1109? A Privileges and Elections Sub-Committee (#2) is meeting 7:00 a.m. Wednesday morning to review 2 Bills: HB 1082 & 1109 are written to repeal the Bill that moved Local Elections to November. Making a comment may help. (Some reasons are attached.)
Dear Privileges and Elections Committee Members, I urge the committee to vote in favor of the Right to Vote Amendment and the associated referendum bills: HJ9 and HB130. Passing the amendment places the responsibility for this important decision where it should be – with Virginia's voters during the 2022 elections. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Beth Alley
BOTH HJ9 and HB130. Privileges and Elections Committee Members, I urge the committee to vote in favor of the Right to Vote Amendment and the associated referendum bills: HJ9 and HB130. Passing the amendment places the responsibility for this important decision where it should be – with Virginia's voters during the 2022 elections. Thank you for your consideration. "I say to people today, 'You must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end." -- John Lewis "We have come a long way in America because of Martin Luther King, Jr. He led a disciplined, nonviolent revolution under the rule of law, a revolution of values, a revolution of ideas. We've come a long way, but we still have a distance to go before all of our citizens embrace the idea of a truly interracial democracy, what I like to call the Beloved Community, a nation at peace with itself." -- John Lewis Sincerely, Marilyn Karp BOTH HJ9 and HB130.
There is a multitude of reasons to have local elections in May, the most important being: • Having the clarity of local issues (in May) NOT mixed in with national or state problems (Nov.). • Turnout may be smaller, but those voting in May do so because they are informed of local issues and needs, and they educate themselves on the platforms of the local candidates. Better to have quality--informed citizens--then quantity (uninformed masses). • Local candidates' names (especially those running for the first time) don't get lost in the hubbub that occurs with state and federal candidates advertising for their elections at the same time as federal and state candidates. • Fairness to our citizens and quality of local government: In May, knowing who to vote for is not as overwhelming to citizens since there is not a multitude of offices to vote on, nor an overload of candidates to find out about. Referendums are clear and not lost in the overload of so many other items, candidates, etc., on the ballot. • The availability of resources and the cost of advertising are more affordable because candidates don't have to "compete" with state or federal candidates' money to be "remembered" on election day. It is a known fact in radio and TV advertising, that those that are willing to pay more for a "spot" will "bump" those paying less for their ad in that advertising time slot. And there are limited spots available in "prime time". • The hallmark of local elections is a non-partisan election. Just look at how poorly our federal government works across party lines, how they don't compromise, and how little they get done. Many party members don't vote for what's best for their constituents, they vote to gain a "win" for their party...we don't need that party vs. party fighting at the local level. May elections won't give an unfair advantage to political party candidates like November will, staying true to local government's current cooperation between members. Local party candidates would not get to ride the coat tails of state/federal party candidates at rallies, gatherings, fund raisers, etc., and independents would get equal exposure. • In some areas, for Presidential (Nov.) election years, candidates for offices in local governments will be listed on the back of the ballot--way too easy to miss, and a place none of us would want to be found. Having November Elections makes it all about the Party and means only the RICH could afford to run against candidates getting Party money--no one else could compete with the Party money, so only the rich would actually get into office. Having May elections is what is best for local government to run smoothly, effectively, and to best care for the citizens they serve.
6am-7pm
HB1109 - Elections; time of certain local elections.
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.
Please move to report all these bills.
Dear Delegates, The Town of Vienna requests that you approve SB 1109. With a population of 16,000, the town does a good job of educating its residents about its traditional May election. The date, time and location of the election is the same every year. We hold an election for Council and Mayor the first Tuesday in May at the Vienna Community Center. It is posted on the town’s website, on a banner across our main street and in the town newsletter that is mailed to every household. Residents are involved and enjoy discussing local issues. They are intelligent and know the difference between local and National issues but want to concentrate on local ones. The town charter states that council is non partisan and we would Like to keep it that way- I do not know of a Democrat or Republican sidewalk! Also, keeping elections in May will allow more people to run as November campaigns will be more expensive and will exclude some people from running. Our Mayor only receives $7500 and the Council $5000. Also, the Hatch Act will forbid many of our residents from running as they are government employees. Thank you for your consideration. This issue deserves to get out of Committee and out on the floor for debate. Thank you for all you do for Virginia.
I would encourage members of this committee to consider the possibility of allowing localities to chose the option of local elections to be held in May, as opposed to lumping them together with state and/or national election cycles. HB. 1082 and HB 1109 would provide that option for localities. As a retired Virginia educator with 36 years experience as a Virginia and United States Government teacher, the idea of a "separation of elections" makes a great deal of sense. As citizens of our Commonwealth, we have always been proud of the fact that we give our state elections special emphasis by separating them from the national. That additional time allows for a more strategic focus of the Commonwealth's issues, giving her citizens time to focus on state needs instead of a national agenda. That same premise being used for local elections would make a great deal of sense. Overload of issues and candidates only serves to confuse the electorate. Simple straightforward presentation of the issues and the candidates for offices would encourage greater voter participation and involvement in the election. Local issues are the ones that affect voters most directly so it makes much more sense to allow local voters the chance to understand the candidates before them as well as the issues at hand. Longer "bedsheet" ballots will add to the costs of elections since more explanatory information will be required from the local and state board of elections. Just like the halls of Congress (and need I say the General Assembly), the more information you add to the process only muddied the waters. Voters will push back and not get involved in the electoral process because of the overwhelming nature of the beast. The old adage of keeping it simple and understandable really does work! Keep local elections separate, and just like the infamous "Field of Dreams", they will come!
The League of Women Voters submits comments, as follows: HB 895 - In support of risk-limiting audits, the best way to determine whether the reported outcome of an election is correct; HB 1082 and HB 1109 - In opposition to giving cities and towns the option to revert from November elections to May elections because it suppresses turnout; HB1262 - In opposition to turning nonpartisan races into partisan races because it increases divisiveness and takes the focus away from electing a candidate based purely on suitability and competence
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.
Dear Privileges and Elections Committee Members, I urge the committee to vote in favor of the Right to Vote Amendment and the associated referendum bills: HJ9 and HB130. Passing the amendment places the responsibility for this important decision where it should be – with Virginia's voters during the 2022 elections. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Beth Alley
BOTH HJ9 and HB130. Privileges and Elections Committee Members, I urge the committee to vote in favor of the Right to Vote Amendment and the associated referendum bills: HJ9 and HB130. Passing the amendment places the responsibility for this important decision where it should be – with Virginia's voters during the 2022 elections. Thank you for your consideration. "I say to people today, 'You must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end." -- John Lewis "We have come a long way in America because of Martin Luther King, Jr. He led a disciplined, nonviolent revolution under the rule of law, a revolution of values, a revolution of ideas. We've come a long way, but we still have a distance to go before all of our citizens embrace the idea of a truly interracial democracy, what I like to call the Beloved Community, a nation at peace with itself." -- John Lewis Sincerely, Marilyn Karp BOTH HJ9 and HB130.
There is a multitude of reasons to have local elections in May, the most important being: • Having the clarity of local issues (in May) NOT mixed in with national or state problems (Nov.). • Turnout may be smaller, but those voting in May do so because they are informed of local issues and needs, and they educate themselves on the platforms of the local candidates. Better to have quality--informed citizens--then quantity (uninformed masses). • Local candidates' names (especially those running for the first time) don't get lost in the hubbub that occurs with state and federal candidates advertising for their elections at the same time as federal and state candidates. • Fairness to our citizens and quality of local government: In May, knowing who to vote for is not as overwhelming to citizens since there is not a multitude of offices to vote on, nor an overload of candidates to find out about. Referendums are clear and not lost in the overload of so many other items, candidates, etc., on the ballot. • The availability of resources and the cost of advertising are more affordable because candidates don't have to "compete" with state or federal candidates' money to be "remembered" on election day. It is a known fact in radio and TV advertising, that those that are willing to pay more for a "spot" will "bump" those paying less for their ad in that advertising time slot. And there are limited spots available in "prime time". • The hallmark of local elections is a non-partisan election. Just look at how poorly our federal government works across party lines, how they don't compromise, and how little they get done. Many party members don't vote for what's best for their constituents, they vote to gain a "win" for their party...we don't need that party vs. party fighting at the local level. May elections won't give an unfair advantage to political party candidates like November will, staying true to local government's current cooperation between members. Local party candidates would not get to ride the coat tails of state/federal party candidates at rallies, gatherings, fund raisers, etc., and independents would get equal exposure. • In some areas, for Presidential (Nov.) election years, candidates for offices in local governments will be listed on the back of the ballot--way too easy to miss, and a place none of us would want to be found. Having November Elections makes it all about the Party and means only the RICH could afford to run against candidates getting Party money--no one else could compete with the Party money, so only the rich would actually get into office. Having May elections is what is best for local government to run smoothly, effectively, and to best care for the citizens they serve.
This bill deletes the requirement that local elections be held on Election Day, including mayor, members of local governing bodies and school board members. Clearly intended to keep local elections from the highest voter turnout event, and obscure the local governing process. There’s literally no reason to change a standard Election Day vote for all offices, both local, state and National. It will place an undue burden on local election officials by requiring multiple dates to be organized, officiated, and counted. It will add costs to the election process by requiring additional ballots to be printed on non-standard election days and presents a hardship on voters who may not have easy transportation to polling locations multiple times a year, especially in rural areas. I oppose this bill.
Virginia enacted several new voting laws in 2020 and 2021 to make voting more accessible during the pandemic. Early in-person voting hours were increased, mail-in absentee ballots no longer required a witness signature, more drop-box locations were available. These changes led to record voter turnout (with insignificant fraud) in both the 2020 presidential election and the 2021 gubernatorial election. Therefore I oppose any new bill that would restrict our rights to accessible voting.
Voting is a constitutional right. Any law that restricts rather than expands our constitutional right & DUTY to vote is simply voter suppression. We must not repeal any expansions of absentee ballots. Do not decrease early voting. - extend the number of days allowed. Do not eliminate any ballot box locations- expand. We have no need to re-register absentee ballots every year. No excuse absentee voting is absolutely crucial. The state must provide easy and free access to voter ID if a photo is required. Since the USPS has slowed considerably, we must keep the 3 day rule for receiving ballots after election day. All local elections must be on Election Day (in Nov). Election Day should be a holiday. Until we do a complete overhaul of campaign finance & eliminate dark money/special interests there must be no restrictions on outreach, education & registration or from where a candidate may collect funds. Voter registration up to and including Election Day is absolutely crucial to ensure all citizens vote. I support all bills expanding our rights and abilities to make voting as easy as possible. I oppose all bills attempting to restrict any access to our ballot and our vote. The process is too important for the elected officials to be able to restrict us from our duty to be informed voters. Keep expanding our rights. Do not restrict, suppress or subvert them.
HB1233 - Local officers; election and terms of mayor and city council for cities and towns.
Please move to report all these bills.
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
I support HB1233 which removes the requirement that council members must be elected by the qualified voters of the ward and not by the town at large for localities (towns) with a population of under 25,000. The Town of Berryville, in the County of Clarke, has a population of 4584 and is divided into four Wards. Until new legislation passed in 2021, the town voters elected the council members 'at large' even though residency requirements were in place for council members. Electing council members 'at-large' is outlined in the town's Charter which was amended in 2019 and subsequently approved by the General Assembly. §24.2-222.1 now requires council members be elected by the qualified voters of the ward and not by the locality (town) at large. This requirement is placing a financial hardship on our locality, confusion to the voters and election officials. The Town of Berryville's four wards are divided among four local election districts. Requiring town voters to vote only for the town council candidates in his/her ward will require four of our local precincts to have no less than three ballot styles for the town election held this November. Therefore, removing the requirement that council members must be elected by the qualified voters of the ward and not by the town at large for localities (towns) with a population of under 25,000 would result in less confusion to the Town of Berryville voters and will reduce the number of ballots styles necessary to conduct a town election held during the November General Election. Barbara Bosserman, Director of Elections/General Registrar Clarke County 540-955-5168 bbosserman@clarkecounty.gov
HB1262 - Constitutional officers; form of ballot, party identification of candidates on ballots.
I strongly encourage that this bill be rejected. Party endorsements of non-partisan candidates have already created a corrosive effect on bipartisan local governance. This can be seen in the attention-seekers elected in Northern Virginia in 2019, who are more attuned to national politics than day-to-day issues in their communities. The Senate sponsors of this legislation are attempting to build machine politics in their respective jurisdictions, rural and urban. In suburban areas, such as Henrico, Fairfax and Virginia Beach, which often split their vote 60-40 between the two major parties, the prospect of one-party domination is onerous, and would leave many citizens without a voice in government. Furthermore, turning local races from non-partisan to partisan will lock out military members and federal civil servants. Those covered by the Hatch Act would be restricted from actively participating in local government as candidates and campaign members. I look to Fairfax City, where the majority of council members are, or have been, affiliated with the military. Thank you for your consideration, Mr. Atticus Sawatzki
I oppose this bill (HB 1262) because it unnecessarily introduces partisan labels into non-partisan elections. Research (see Kirkland & Coppock 2018) has shown that when labels are not used, voters focus more closely on candidates' experience. By contrast, when labels are used, voters are likely to simply engage in straight-ticket voting, especially for little covered local races. The result is that voters select a candidate based purely off of their partisan affiliation, rather than on their competence.
My name is Mike Cantwell. I am the Vice President of FairVote Virginia and the Virginia Chapter Leader for Veterans for Political Innovation (VPI). I am also a retired Naval Officer, Federal Government Employee, and a 30 resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Under current state and federal law, a retiring active-duty soldier/sailor or a retiring federal government employee has the right to run for a local constitutional office as an Independent. If HB1262 is enacted, they would risk violating federal law (Hatch Act) if they campaign for office in a “partisan election” even if they ran as an Independent. They would also be prohibited from participating in "partisan political activities" such as gathering petition signatures or hosting a fundraiser for a friend or neighbor. Do we really need to put a party label on Sheriffs, Commissioners of the Revenue, Treasurers, Commonwealth's Attorneys, and Clerks of the Circuit Court? Most voters say no. Voters are tired of toxic partisan rhetoric. They want honest, competent local elected officials who swear an oath to serve and protect their local communities. I respectfully ask you to keep the status quo and allow military members and federal government employees to continue to run for local constitutional offices. HB1262 is unfair, unjust, and anti-democratic. I implore you to lay this bill on the table. Sincerely, Mike Cantwell Arlington, Virginia
I oppose this bill because it expands partisan power into offices designed for neutral administration. Virginians do not need more opportunities to indulge divisive politics. Identifying party affiliation of candidates for offices that do not involve policymaking will alienate voters, discourage challengers, and remind everyone that their elected official is beholden to one party or another. No good can come of implied support of irrelevant issue positions.
The League of Women Voters submits comments, as follows: HB 895 - In support of risk-limiting audits, the best way to determine whether the reported outcome of an election is correct; HB 1082 and HB 1109 - In opposition to giving cities and towns the option to revert from November elections to May elections because it suppresses turnout; HB1262 - In opposition to turning nonpartisan races into partisan races because it increases divisiveness and takes the focus away from electing a candidate based purely on suitability and competence
I do not support this bill. It is not necessary for these offices to be made partisan. It can also prevent certain military members or people holding government jobs from holding these offices, due to Hatch Act rules. Please also vote against the Senate version when it crosses over.
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
HB542 - Elections administration; reclassification of assistant registrars.
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.