House of Delegates Speak

Public Comments for 02/06/2026 Privileges and Elections

HB41 - Elections; procedures for removal of electoral board members and general registrars.

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

I am opposed to any all bill that make it easier to cheat in elections like these bills being presented. I am opposed to any and all bills that make same sex marriage acceptable. I am opposed to any and all bills that allow full term abortion and allow minors to have abortions with out the parents knowledge. I am opposed to any and all bills that would allow minors to undergo transgender surgery . I am opposed to any and all bills that will raise taxes while the politicians are trying to give themselves a 150% increase no that is not acceptable.

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

Oppose Democrats and Socialists forcing gerrymandering in Virginia. We know that the left is trying to get power. We know the illegal aliens are one source for getting democratic votes. What happened to following the Rule of Law in America and following it without causing chaos, lockdowns, destruction, propaganda, riots, censoring, spying, fraudulent schemes, mail in ballots, and other forms of corruption?

Last Name: Ferrante Organization: Catholic Daughters of America, the Arlington Diocese, all loving parents and concerned citizens Locality: Alexandria

My husband and I are extremely concerned about proposed abortion bills and legislation. We have lived in this state for many years and never dreamed of these bills moving forward and are aghast at the thought of it. We are vehemently opposed to any such passage of abortion and whole heartedly in favor of preserving and protecting all life espeically of the most vulnerable unborn life that all science now admits. Please say "no" to such bills.

HB162 - Public campaign financing; counties and cities may establish for certain offices.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

The League of Women Voters supports HB162. The League believes that a public financing option for funding electoral campaigns reduces candidates’ reliance on large private donations and donations from vested special interests. A public funding option for campaign finance gives qualified individuals who don’t have deep pockets, or friends with deep pockets, more incentive to run for elected office, and increases the electorate’s opportunities to evaluate candidates on their merits and not just from paid advertisements. HB162 will give localities that wish to provide a public funding option for certain local elections the opportunity to do so via local ordinance.

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

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

The League of Women Voters supports HB44. Requiring electronic filing of all campaign expenditure reports is a significant step toward promoting transparency and making campaign funding information more easily accessible to the electorate, in the ability both to access the reports and to analyze the information they contain. The League of Women Voters supports HB162. The League believes that a public financing option for funding electoral campaigns reduces candidates’ reliance on large private donations and donations from vested special interests. A public funding option for campaign finance gives qualified individuals who don’t have deep pockets, or friends with deep pockets, more incentive to run for elected office, and increases the electorate’s opportunities to evaluate candidates on their merits and not just from paid advertisements. HB162 will give localities that wish to provide a public funding option for certain local elections the opportunity to do so via local ordinance. The League of Women Voters of Virginia supports the proposed Constitutional Amendment to restore the rights, including the right to vote, to those released from incarceration due to felony convictions, and those who, regardless of guardianship status, do have the capacity to understand the act of voting. The League also urges you to approve this implementing legislation, HB963. Democracy is most representative when everyone has a voice, and thus voting should be protected in our state Constitution. Only two or three states permanently disenfranchise individuals who have felony convictions. At present, it is estimated that many thousands of eligible people are still disenfranchised in Virginia, with a disproportionate effect on minority and lower income Virginians. People whose incarceration has ended should not be penalized for life without the vote. Everyone deserves a second chance. With respect to any citizen subject to adjudication of capacity, it is imperative that the court make an individualized determination as to the person’s capacity to understand the act of voting. Voter registrars have frequently lacked clear guidance from the court and, as a consequence, have disenfranchised citizens who should have the right to vote, because those citizens understand what it means to vote, know how to do it, and they wish to do it. If this resolution passes, the voters of Virginia would have an opportunity to voice their support or opposition at the ballot box in November. We approve the text of the resolution and urge the Committee to vote in favor.

Last Name: Whitehead Organization: Center for Common Ground Locality: Richmond

Comments Document

Good afternoon, Mr. Chair and members of the committee. My name is Edwuan Whitehead, and I’m here to speak in support of House Bill 162, which authorizes counties and cities to establish voluntary systems of public campaign financing for local offices. At its core, HB 162 is about local choice, fairness, and democratic access. The bill does not mandate public financing. It simply gives local governments the option to design a system that fits their community, with clear guardrails and state oversight. For too many Virginians, especially working families, young people, and first-time candidates, running for local office is financially out of reach. The result is a system where money—not ideas, service, or community trust—too often determines who can run and who can win. HB 162 begins to rebalance that equation. This bill is carefully drafted. Participation is strictly voluntary. Candidates who opt in face clear restrictions on fundraising and spending, ensuring transparency and accountability. Funds are limited to local races only, administered by local treasurers, and subject to oversight by the State Board of Elections to ensure compliance with state law. Just as important, HB 162 respects local autonomy. What works in one city may not work in another. This bill empowers local governing bodies to decide whether public financing makes sense for their communities—nothing more, nothing less. Public campaign financing has been shown, in other states and cities, to broaden candidate pools, reduce the influence of big donors, and increase public trust in local government. Virginians deserve the option to pursue those benefits at the local level. HB 162 does not weaken democracy. It strengthens it—by making participation more accessible, elections more competitive, and government more representative. I respectfully urge you to support House Bill 162. Thank you.

Last Name: Nicholls Locality: Chesapeake

HB162 - fraud, waste, abuse and Hatch Act violations. Too much danger of abuse. HB89 - Electronic means = abuse and fraud. Other countries don't have this because of fraud.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

Last Name: Pastiva Organization: none Locality: Mathews

With respect to HB111, I object that the language never says that the "person" being discussed needs to be a citizen. With respect to HB162, I object that there is no language or reference to other law that limits who may contribute to public funds. Is there some limitation on that elsewhere in the law?

Last Name: Thompson Locality: Broad Run

I stand against abortion in this state and any abilities for election fraud!

Last Name: Ferrante Organization: Catholic Daughters of America, the Arlington Diocese, all loving parents and concerned citizens Locality: Alexandria

HB212 - Election offenses; intimidation and threats toward election officials, penalty.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

The League of Women Voters supports HB212. The bill improves the process for protecting all the people who run Virginia’s elections from intimidation, bribery, coercion or threats. Basically, the bill acknowledges how hard it is to prove that someone willfully committed one of the crimes enumerated in the statute. A prosecutor would still need to prove intent, which is difficult enough, without also proving what was going on inside that person’s head. We staunchly support our election officials and ask that you report the bill.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

Last Name: Orey Organization: Bipartisan Policy Center Locality: Washington, DC

My name is Rachel Orey, and I am Director of the Elections Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a non-profit organization that combines the best ideas from both parties to promote health, security, and opportunity for all Americans. Working in collaboration with current and former election officials, BPC’s Elections Project researches and advocates for pragmatic policy solutions to the most pressing challenges in election administration. Foremost among these challenges is a well-documented rise in threats and intimidation aimed at election officials, the individuals who work day-in and day-out to ensure that our elections are free, fair, and secure. Our research on election officials across the country reveals a workforce under increasing strain, but these strains are not altogether new. For years, the task of administering elections has steadily grown more complex, yet staffing and funding levels have not kept pace. This has led to gradually increasing rates of turnover in the election workforce over the past two decades. Between 2004 and 2020, the share of chief election officials vacating their positions grew by an average of 1.6 percentage points every four years. What is new, however, is the accelerated pace of this turnover. Already overburdened and underpaid, election officials now confront an increasingly hostile environment of physical and psychological threats, intimidation, and harassment. According to a 2024 survey of local election officials, 48% report “personally know[ing] any local election officials or election workers who have left their jobs at least in part because of fear for their safety, increased threats, or intimidation,” up from 31% of those surveyed in 2023. It should come as no surprise to find, as my coauthors and I did, a corresponding surge in turnover among election officials. As we detail in a recent report, “2024 saw the highest recorded rate of turnover in at least the past quarter century: 41% of election officials administering the presidential election were different from those who ran the presidential election four years prior.” Elections do not run by themselves; they require the experience, expertise, and hard work of well-trained professionals. Accordingly, the continued depletion of institutional knowledge among the workforce poses risks for the system of elections that sustains American democracy. It jeopardizes both the smooth operation of future elections and the public’s confidence in their outcomes. Though the pressures facing the election workforce are complex and no one measure can be alleviate them entirely, protecting election workers and ensuring they feel safe and secure in their jobs is foundational for future progress.

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

The NAACP VA State Conference supports HB835 and HB 212

Last Name: Miller Locality: Henrico

I support all legislation to remove big money from all election campaigns. I ask that you serve us, the people, not just those with wealth or corporate power. All the people.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

The League of Women Voters urges you to report HB212. The bill improves the process for protecting all the people who run Virginia’s elections from intimidation, bribery, coercion or threats. Basically, the bill acknowledges how hard it is to prove that someone WILLFULLY committed one of the crimes enumerated in the statute. A prosecutor would still need to prove intent, which is difficult enough, without also proving what was going on inside that person’s head. We staunchly support our election officials and ask that you report the bill. The League of Women Voters strongly supports legislation that controls misleading political speech, however formatted. Beyond disguising its sponsors, altered media content sends messages that often deviates sharply from the original meaning and intent. In the current media environment, content can “go viral” in seconds, which increases the risk of spreading misleading or flat-out wrong information. A well-informed electorate is essential to a healthy democracy but it must be an accurately-informed electorate. Knowing that content has been altered or manipulated is essential to informed and thoughtful decisions. The League of Women Voters strongly supports HB868 and HB982. The League opposes HB 1056. It is a strength of current Virginia voting law that voters do NOT register by political party, which allows any registered voter to vote in either primary. Open primaries invite independents, who are a majority of all voters, to participate and have been shown to increase voter engagement and turnout. Yes, spoiler voters might affect an outcome but that is both uncommon and could affect both parties equally. Also, the bill suggests that the political parties could write rules controlling who votes in a state-run primary election, which is a disturbing prospect in a democracy.

Last Name: ORourke Locality: Alexandria

SUPPORT HB212 - Election workers should be able to focus on the electoral process, not worry about disruptions or safety. Intimidation has no place in this process. I support HB212.

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

Last Name: Culp Locality: Hanover

I strongly support this bill. Our election officials deserve to serve in an environment free of threats and intimidation.

Last Name: Thompson Locality: Broad Run

I stand against abortion in this state and any abilities for election fraud!

Last Name: Ferrante Organization: Catholic Daughters of America, the Arlington Diocese, all loving parents and concerned citizens Locality: Alexandria

HB234 - Elections; general provisions, electoral board members to wear identification, civil penalty.

Last Name: Pierce Organization: My self as a precinct volunteer for candidates. I have volunteered for party affiliated and independent candidates. Locality: Surry County

Greetings Members of the Privileges and Elections House Committee. My name is Charlome Pierce and I am a frequent volunteer at precincts in my county for party affiliated and independent candidates. I support House Bill 234 because I believe that those observing the election process should be able to identify who official members of the City's/County's Electoral Board are on election day when they are visiting a precinct. I would also like to state that I am a former member of the Surry County Electoral board, having served as the secretary and a general member. I have worn official credentials provided by our registrar on election day as I visited precincts to check on the election process and to provide support if needed. I have two incidents that I would like to describe. 1. The first incident occurred when the precinct captain for our party and I were setting up a tent the morning of an election day. A member of the Electoral Board approached us when it was still dark. He was rude in his request for us to move the tent from the site. He stated to us that, "We have received complaints about our tent taking up parking spaces." When I asked who "we" was, he stated that as a former member of the Electoral Board, I should know who he was since he was his party's chair when I was on the board. I stated to him that it was dark and that I did not recognize who he was. I also asked if he had credentials from the registrar's office since I was aware that she normally provides something for the board members to wear. He stated that she did not give him anything and handed me his phone with the registrar on the other end. She stated to me that he did not take the credentials and that the other two members had theirs, which was confirmed when they visited the precinct. We certainly moved the tent and had a successful day at the precinct. 2. During the last election, I was inside observing the election process. The same board member came in and began communicating with persons in the precinct who were working. I cannot state if he communicated with any voters. The member from his party asked me who he was. Since we were inside with lighting, I did recognize him. I stated to her that he was one of the members of the Electoral Board and that he represents her party on the board. She stated to me that she did not know who he was and that he should have something that states who he is and that he has an official duty as a member of the Electoral Board. I stated to her that I concur and that this was something that members from different political parties could certainly agree on. As an electoral board member, I have had to address violations of election law with persons working for a particular candidate. I always showed my credentials provided by the registrar so that they would know that I was operating in an official capacity. I also always had the laws with me so that I could share them with the persons if questioned. This is a low-cost legislative yet high impact action that would bring consistency across the Commonwealth. If the credentials are visible, persons would know that they can speak with Electoral Board members when they visit a precinct about concerns regarding the election process, which might be able to be resolved immediately, Thank you for your consideration of this bill and I hope that you will vote in favor of it. Sincerely, Charlome Pierce, Former Electoral Board Member

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

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

Last Name: Culp Locality: Hanover

I support this bill. It is important for this to be placed into law. I would recommend adding "or anyone designated by the Electoral Board." as some larger localities also use designated officers to ensure every precinct is properly visited.

Last Name: Pierce Locality: Surry County

I am in favor of this bill for several reasons. As a former member of the Surry County Electoral Board, we were provided badges that served as credentials when we went to check on precincts on election day. If we had to address a situation, the persons not only heard what we stated about our position, they could see it as well. On two occasions, I have observed or was engaged in a situation where if the board member had credentials, it would have added a level of professionalism to the situation. 1. I was asked by an electoral board member to move my tent as we were setting up outside of the precinct and outside of the designated prohibited area. It was still dark and as the rude person came to us, he assumed that we knew who he was. He stated that "we" had received complaints about not enough parking and requested that we move to the grass. When I asked who "we" referred to, he suggested that I knew who he was. It was dark and I did not. He then stated that he was the chair of the board. I asked where his badge was and he stated that she did not give him one. When I asked who she was he stated the registrar. I knew this registrar's customs and procedures and when he handed me the phone to speak to her she stated that he did not take his badge with him. 2. In a subsequent election, he entered a precinct and began having conversations with the officials. There were two observers, one from each party. The observer from his party asked me who he was. I stated that he was her representative on the board. She stated to me that he needed credentials so that we would know that he had authority to speak to election officials, etc. I believe that officials of the election, regardless of their role need credentials so that as they are operating in their role, people will know that they have authority to do so. Election day and the activities of that day are vital to our representative government system. There are on site decisions at the precinct such as addressing violations of election rules like handing out illegal sample ballots, politicking within the prohibited area, and election officials providing party or candidate information to votes inside the precinct that need to be addressed. Knowing the officials name and the organization they represent is vital to ensuring that the process is fair to all involved. This is a low budget cost bill with huge positive impact. Hopefully the explicit examples provide evidence of the need.

Last Name: Ferrante Organization: Catholic Daughters of America, the Arlington Diocese, all loving parents and concerned citizens Locality: Alexandria

HB639 - Elections; administration, acceptance of certain gifts and funding, approval required.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

The League of Women Voters of Virginia strongly supports HB639, which will clarify the support that elections offices may accept. The current rule uses language so vague that many registrars have become reluctant to work with organizations like the LWV on voter registration, including in the high schools. This has limited our ability to achieve one of our core functions, registering voters. The existing restrictions were interpreted differently throughout the state, further inhibiting our ability to serve voters. This bill resolves much of this confusion and we urge you to pass it.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters Locality: Arlington

The League of Women Voters of Virginia strongly supports HB639, which will clarify the support that elections offices may accept. We thank Del. Krizek for introducing this bill. The current rule uses language so vague that many registrars have become reluctant to work with organizations like the LWV on voter registration, including in the high schools. This has limited our ability to achieve one of our core functions, registering voters. The existing restrictions were interpreted differently throughout the state, further inhibiting our ability to serve voters. This bill resolves much of this confusion and we urge you to pass it. The League of Women Voters of Virginia strongly endorses clarifying the prohibition on personally carrying a firearm. We also support extending the reach of that prohibition to 100 feet from any entrance to: a voting or vote counting location; the office of a general registrar; a building where a local electoral board meets to conduct its business before, during, and after an election; and the location where the State Board of Elections ascertains the results of an election. Normally, we would hesitate to apply one restricted zone to electioneering, which is 40 feet, and a different one to the knowing carrying of firearms. Unfortunately, the fact is that the danger firearms present extends well beyond 40 feet. People who carry firearms pose a serious potential threat to voters and all elections officials. Even if those people do not intend to pose a threat, their presence while armed is intimidating and creates a chilling effect on voting, voter registration, and election-related activities in general. The visible presence of armed individuals so close to voting sites and election offices echoes an ugly part of our history we do not want to revisit. We urge you to report HB 909.

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

HB774 - Elections; absentee and provisional ballots, cure process.

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

Last Name: Winn Organization: Individual Capacity - Chair of the Hampton Electoral Board Locality: Fort Monroe (Hampton)

I support HB774. This Bill centers the rights (and ability to exercise those rights) of qualified voters. Together with adoption of HB1321 (extending primary canvas to 10 days), this Bill allows for elections offices to have adequate time to ensure that each otherwise qualified voter is able to register, cast a ballot, and have that ballot count. NOTE: Va Dept of Elections will need to adjust the canvas SDR Duplicate Report deadlines. NOTE: While the language itself is sufficient when speaking to ALL provisionals cast (and does not otherwise distinguish or treat any category of provisional ballots differently), it might helpful towards seamless implementation to make clear that all forms, reasons, and methods of provisional ballots are to be included in these proposed cure and extension provisions—specifically that HB774 includes Same Day Registration (SDR) provisional ballots along with all other categories of provisional ballots and provisional ballot forms.

Last Name: Buttolph Locality: Leesburg

Oppose. See my comments under HB773

Last Name: Brim Locality: Fairfax

Vote NO on HB774 HB774 keeps the specific deadline of Friday noon for receipt of absentee ballots, but it extends the 3 day deadline for curing the ballot envelope to Provisional ballots, like HB773 setting a final receipt deadline of the cured provisional ballot envelope by noon Monday following the election. Provisional ballots and ballot envelopes are completed at the polling place with the in-person assistance of an Election Officer and should not need the option of a “cure” because any material omissions will have been remedied at the polling place. Vote No on HB774

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

Last Name: Hogge Locality: Henrico

Oppose HB774 - why are some voters given additional time to cure their ballot while other voters don't even have to provide the very same information and can cast their vote.

Last Name: Wheeler Organization: Virginia Fair Elections Locality: Albemarle County

There is no need to delay the completion of the material information on a Provisional Ballot. The Election Officer and the voter are tasked with reviewing the information BEFORE the Provisional Ballot is submitted. A voter who places a marked ballot into an optical scanner is not allowed to vote another ballot, so the person who marks a Provisional Ballot should not be allowed to re-do his Provisional ballot envelope. The certification of Provisional Ballots is time consuming without further delays. Vote "NO" on HB 774

Last Name: Winn Organization: individually as Chair of the Hampton Electoral Board Locality: Fort Monroe (Hampton)

I support HB773 (together with an amendment to 24.2-532 lengthening the June Primary Canvas period to 10 days from 6 in order to allow for practical and successful implementation of HB773) I support HB774 (together with an amendment to 24.2-532 lengthening the June Primary Canvas period to 10 days from 6 in order to allow for practical and successful implementation of HB774)

HB835 - Elections; candidates and elected officials, address confidentiality.

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

The NAACP VA State Conference supports HB835 and HB 212

Last Name: Miller Locality: Henrico

I support all legislation to remove big money from all election campaigns. I ask that you serve us, the people, not just those with wealth or corporate power. All the people.

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

Last Name: Belcher Locality: Richmond County

I am a citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia and a law-abiding resident with a strong interest in the integrity of our electoral process. I respectfully submit this testimony in opposition to House Bill 835, which would restrict public access to the residential addresses of candidates seeking public office. HB 835 fundamentally undermines transparency in elections and limits the ability of voters to verify that candidates meet the residency requirements mandated by law. Residency verification is not a trivial matter—it is essential to ensuring that those who seek office legitimately represent the districts, counties, or municipalities in which they run. By denying access to basic residence information, this bill invites potential fraud, misrepresentation, and abuse, creating opportunities for candidates to obscure eligibility and for voters to be misled. Recent events illustrate the importance of this issue. Questions arose regarding the residency of newly seated Lt. Governor Hashmi during the most recent state elections, demonstrating how unclear or inaccessible residency information can erode public confidence and generate controversy. Allowing citizens to verify residency is a safeguard against such disputes and ensures accountability in our electoral system. HB 835 appears to serve the interests of incumbent or politically connected candidates rather than the voters. By limiting access to addresses, the legislation effectively shields candidates from legitimate scrutiny, discouraging lawful challenges to residency claims. In practice, this protects the “almighty elected class” from accountability and removes a vital tool for citizens to hold candidates to the legal standards required for public office. Elections are the foundation of representative government, and public access to relevant information about candidates is essential to preserving the integrity of that process. Transparency allows voters to make informed decisions, ensures compliance with eligibility requirements, and deters fraud. Any law that restricts the ability of citizens to verify critical qualifications of candidates undermines trust in government and diminishes confidence in the electoral system. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the members of this committee to oppose House Bill 835. Protecting voters’ ability to verify candidate residency is not partisan—it is fundamental to free, fair, and accountable elections. Limiting transparency in this manner sends the wrong message to Virginians: that candidates may evade scrutiny and voters have no recourse to challenge misrepresentation. Preserving access to public information regarding candidate residency safeguards electoral integrity and maintains public confidence in our democratic institutions.

HB868 - Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

The League of Women Voters strongly supports legislation that controls misleading political speech, however formatted. Beyond disguising its sponsors, altered media content sends messages that often deviates sharply from the original meaning and intent. In the current media environment, content can “go viral” in seconds, which increases the risk of spreading misleading or flat-out wrong information. A well-informed electorate is essential to a healthy democracy but it must be an accurately-informed electorate. Knowing that content has been altered or manipulated is essential to informed and thoughtful decisions. The League of Women Voters strongly supports HB868

Last Name: Roy Locality: Alexandria

Chair and Members of the Subcommittee, I urge you to support HB 982 (Garrett) and HB 868 (Cousins), which require clear disclosure when political communications use synthetic or AI-generated audio or visual media. These bills address a growing and urgent threat to election integrity. Deepfake and AI-generated content can convincingly depict candidates saying or doing things that never occurred. Without clear labeling, such material can mislead voters, distort public opinion, and undermine trust in the electoral process. Requiring disclosure helps voters recognize manipulated content and improves the accuracy of information upon which elections depend. HB 982 and HB 868 take a measured, commonsense approach. They do not prohibit the use of artificial intelligence in campaigns. Instead, they require electioneering communications containing synthetic media to include a conspicuous statement informing voters that the content has been altered or artificially generated and may depict conduct or speech that did not occur. This preserves free expression while ensuring transparency. The bills also include appropriate enforcement mechanisms, including civil penalties for violations and stronger consequences for willful misconduct, as well as a limited right for voters to seek injunctive relief to prevent the continued dissemination of deceptive material. These provisions deter bad actors while remaining narrowly tailored. Virginia would not be acting alone. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, most states now either require disclosure of synthetic media in political advertising or restrict deceptive deepfakes within defined pre-election periods. Public support is strong: a 2021 Wason Center poll found that 88 percent of Virginians support full disclosure in campaign practices, and national polling shows overwhelming opposition to misleading AI-generated political media and strong support for labeling such content. Elections depend on informed voters. Disclosure of AI-generated campaign media is a necessary update to existing transparency standards and an important step toward protecting electoral legitimacy. I respectfully ask the Subcommittee to vote “yes” on HB 982 and HB 868 and ensure these bills advance. Thank you for your service and consideration.

Last Name: Kallay Locality: Fredericksburg

I support the notion of prohibiting faked visuals of candidates or their supporters during a campaign. However, I feel the bill will be mostly window-dressing unless there are additional specificiations about penalties. By the time any corrective action is taken, it will tend to be too late. Further, I strongly believe that the maximum amount of the penalty must be commensurate with the size of the total campaign budget for a given individual. In current dollars, a max of $25,000 would probably deter a local election. It would be a worthwhile expense for state or national elections. For those, a penalty closer to 20 percent of the final campaign budget would be more appropriate, and could be used to publish correcting information in public media.

Last Name: Miller Locality: Henrico

I support all legislation to remove big money from all election campaigns. I ask that you serve us, the people, not just those with wealth or corporate power. All the people.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

Last Name: Bowen Locality: Hampton

I support HB868 and HB982 and encourage the committee to support these bills as well. As an IT professional, I see the expanding capabilities of Artificial Intelligence daily. In my personal life, I also see its capabilities on social media. I believe that the continued use of generative AI videos, audio, or photos is a great threat to our commonwealth and country, and proper labeling to bring transparency is one step in the right direction. Please help protect our elections by supporting these bills. Lauren Bowen

Last Name: Merchant Locality: Martinsville

I am opposed to the use of AI in the use of political advertising. I am also opposed to deceptive messaging, hate-mongering, and propaganda of all kinds.

Last Name: ORourke Locality: Alexandria

SUPPORT - The public needs to have strong confidence in our electoral processes. The ease in which disinformation can be created and spread requires strong oversight and penalties. Bill HB868 supports "truth in elections", I support this bill.

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

Last Name: Sullivan Locality: Richmond City

I wholeheartedly support Delegate Cousins's bill that addresses the use of artificial intelligence or "synthetic media" in campaign advertisements. In this era of misinformation, disinformation, and obfuscation, we need maximum transparency in order to make judgments informed not only by our biases and emotions but also by our human intelligence.

Last Name: Mott Organization: We of Action VA Locality: Arlington

I am Jessica Mott of Arlington VA, representing We of Action VA. I urge you to support HB868 which requires that any electioneering communications containing synthetic media contain the following phrase: " This message contains synthetic media that has been altered from its original source or artificially generated and may present conduct or speech that did not occur." Voters need to be able to make informed decisions on how to vote, and if not disclosed, synthetic media can distort facts and associated opinions of voters, and undermine voters' trust in the electoral process, and this bill would address this need. Many legislators have noted to me the problems they have encountered with AI-generated misinformation. This bill has widespread support and no down sides.

Last Name: Morgan Organization: BigMoneyOutVA Locality: Alexandria

My name is Nancy Morgan, and I’m the coordinator of BigMoneyOutVA, an all volunteer, none partisan organization. I support of Del Cousins bill (HB868) because I believe Virginians deserve honest elections and clear information when they cast their votes. Artificial intelligence and so-called “deepfake” technology are no longer theoretical threats. We are already seeing AI-generated videos, images, and audio used in campaigns across the country—sometimes depicting candidates saying or doing things they never did. These materials can look and sound real, and without disclosure, voters have no reliable way to know what they’re seeing has been manipulated. This bill does not ban speech. It simply requires transparency. A clear disclosure gives voters the context they need to evaluate political messages for themselves. That strengthens—not weakens—free speech by improving the accuracy of the information in our public discourse. Virginia would not be acting alone. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, most states now either require disclosure when synthetic media is used in campaign materials or prohibit deceptive deepfakes during defined pre-election periods. This legislation follows an emerging national consensus that voters should not be tricked by undisclosed synthetic media. Elections depend on informed decision-making. When AI-generated content is shared without labels, it can distort public opinion, unfairly influence voters, and erode trust in the democratic process. Disclosure helps preserve fair competition and the legitimacy of our elections. Making disclosure mandatory—and attaching meaningful penalties for noncompliance—also discourages bad actors who intentionally seek to deceive voters. Finally, this bill aligns with what Virginians want. A Wason Center poll found that 88 percent of Virginians support full disclosure in campaign finance. National polling shows large majorities of Americans are concerned that AI will increase misinformation in elections, and more than 80 percent believe it is wrong for candidates to use false or misleading media in political ads. Many support clear labeling of AI-generated content. This is a reasonable, voter-focused response to a rapidly changing technology. I urge you to support this bill and help ensure that Virginia elections remain transparent, fair, and worthy of the public’s trust.

HB909 - Elections; certain conduct prohibited at polling places applicable to locations for absentee voting.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

The League of Women Voters of Virginia strongly endorses clarifying the prohibition on personally carrying a firearm. We also support extending the reach of that prohibition to 100 feet from any entrance to: a voting or vote counting location; the office of a general registrar; a building where a local electoral board meets to conduct its business before, during, and after an election; and the location where the State Board of Elections ascertains the results of an election. Normally, we would hesitate to apply one restricted zone to electioneering, which is 40 feet, and a different one to the knowing carrying of firearms. Unfortunately, the fact is that the danger firearms present extends well beyond 40 feet. People who carry firearms pose a serious potential threat to voters and all elections officials. Even if those people do not intend to pose a threat, their presence while armed is intimidating and creates a chilling effect on voting, voter registration, and election-related activities in general. The visible presence of armed individuals so close to voting sites and election offices echoes an ugly part of our history we do not want to revisit. We urge you to report HB 909.

Last Name: Potter Organization: self Locality: Virginia Beach

I support HB 909 and request that it be passed (again) to keep voters, volunteers, library users, and election officials in Virginia Beach safe from a known, mentally disturbed gunman who was allowed to loiter day after day just outside our early voting sites. Over the course of multiple election cycles, this armed mentally unstable man frequented the Registrar’s office and the Kempsville Library early voting sites, with a pistol prominently displayed in a holster on his hip. This man shouted repeatedly, confronted voters arriving at the polls, stood in the way of voters attempting to enter the polls, reportedly got into an fight with two voters, continuously behaved in an aggressive and confrontational manner, and even followed voters attempting to leave the polls, shouting after them. Walking into the polling place the first day of early voting at a satellite site, I personally reported this man to the elections Chief at the Kempsville Library early voting site. The Chief responded, “[Name?] He’s all right,” and laughed, turning away. Complaints about this gunman’s erratic behavior piled up, but were consistently ignored. Eventually the city posted an armed sheriff’s deputy or police officer at the Kempsville Library during the hours the gunman was present, usually on a daily basis. Although this action was an obvious admission of the fact that the gunman posed a danger, no one took action to simply expel this man from the polling place based on his erratic behavior, or to arrest him. This mentally disturbed gunman taunted observers, straddling the forty foot line, with the gun on his hip just outside the forty foot line, hopping back and forth from one foot to another over the line, daring a confrontation. On his facebook page, this gunman scoffed at the complaints against him, stating that complainants should check with the Sheriff, because his friend the Sheriff would vouch for him. Lengthy discussions of his behavior ensued on Nextdoor, where a witness reported that this man had illegally gone over the 40 foot line, spotted on the steps of the Registrar’s office during early voting, with a gun on his hip. At some point, the man reported on his facebook page that he had been hired by a local Republican candidate for the General Assembly. He later reportedly moved on to Suffolk (although it is not known whether or not he remained armed or was allowed to stay at the Suffolk polling places). The local newspaper, the Virginian-Pilot, had earlier done a cute poof piece on this mentally ill unstable gunman’s quest to keep an “emotional support emu,” garnering sympathy for his supposed quest to keep the emu. (Although in spite of his court victory over the emu, the original owner of the emu reportedly took the emu back and would not return it). When asked, the local newspaper failed to send the same reporter, who had created the false impression that this gunman was somehow a sympathetic, cute character, over to the polling place to observe his actual aggressive, belligerent behavior, and failed to do a follow up story. Fortunately, NO ONE HAS BEEN SHOT, YET. Who failed the voters in Virginia Beach and allowed this dangerous travesty to continue on and on? The Electoral Board. The Elections office. The Chief at the Kempsville Library early voting site. The Sheriff’s Department. The Police Department. The Virginian-Pilot. Candidates and political parties who encouraged and/or ignored the danger posed by a mentally disturbed gunman.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters Locality: Arlington

Last Name: ORourke Organization: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Locality: Alexandria

SUPPORT - This bill supports election workers, volunteers, and voters by helping strengthen safety requirements and confidence in our elections. Intimidation has no place in this process.

Last Name: Fox Organization: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Locality: Albemarle County

I support this bill because armed intimidation is undemocratic.

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

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

Last Name: Black Locality: City of Richmond

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recently proposed bills on gun control. While I understand the intent behind these bills—to enhance public safety—I firmly believe that they will have unintended consequences that infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. The Second Amendment guarantees "the right of individuals to keep and bear arms", and it is a fundamental part of what makes this country free. These bills being proposed would place unnecessary and burdensome restrictions on responsible gun owners, making it harder for Virginians to exercise their rights in a lawful and safe manner. Rather than focusing on restricting access to firearms, I urge the General Assembly to consider measures that target criminals and illegal activities, such as enforcing stricter penalties for those who use firearms in the commission of crimes, or improving background checks for gun purchases. It is essential to address the root causes of violence, such as mental health issues and gang-related activity, rather than punishing responsible gun owners who follow the law. Furthermore, these proposed bills could create significant logistical challenges for gun owners, particularly those who rely on their firearms for self-defense, hunting, or recreational activities. The financial burden and potential legal ramifications of complying with these new regulations would be overwhelming for many Virginians. I strongly urge you to reconsider these proposals and to focus on policies that protect both our rights and our communities. I trust that you will make the best decision for all Virginians, and I sincerely hope that you will oppose these bills.

HB964 - Voter registration; restoration of political rights upon release from incarceration.

Last Name: Clark Organization: NAACP Virginia State Conference Locality: Chesapeake

Automatic restoration of voter registration upon release from incarceration removes unnecessary administrative barriers that disproportionately impact Black and low-income Virginians and promotes equitable civic participation. On behalf of the NAACP Virginia State Conference, we urge the committee to advance HB964.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

HB 964: As the League of Women Voters of Virginia strongly supports the proposed constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights to those who have completed their term of incarceration for a felony conviction, we also support this bill which provides the requisite changes to the state code to make this long overdue change a reality. We commend the patron for introducing this bill and urge you to vote to report. HB965: The League of Women Voters ardently supports Virginia’s membership in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. NPV is an endorsement of democracy that preserves the Electoral College yet guarantees the Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Article II of the U.S. Constitution specifically mandates that state Electors shall be appointed in such a manner as the state’s legislature may direct. NPV ensures that every vote, in every state, will matter in every Presidential election. It should dissuade candidates from campaigning exclusively in swing states. It does not change in any way how voters cast their ballots nor the local and state processes of counting and certifying the votes. It does not change the schedule of deadlines for state certification on the first Monday in December. In mid-December the Electors complete the paperwork for their votes as is the current deadline. And of course, we should all know that the Electoral Vote count will be on January 6th as usual. So far, NPV has been enacted by18 jurisdictions possessing 209 electoral votes. States large and small have already signed on. With the addition of Virginia's 13 Electors, the total Elector votes committed to the compact will be 222, with only 48 more needed for enactment. We need to do this in this session. HB967: The League supports this bill, which provides important amendments to the Virginia Voting Rights Act. These changes expand the current law’s protections of minority voting rights in Virginia. Among additional significant rights and protections, bill grants judicial standing to certain organizations, allowing them to file in circuit courts to seek redress from violations of the Act. The League of Women Voters of Virginia, which has minority members and whose mission pertains to voting rights protection, would qualify as such an organization. We welcome the support this bill gives to the voting rights of eligible Virginians, we thank the patron, and we urge you to report. HB1131This bill would reverse an important current law rule that enhances voter participation. A photo ID rule existed in Virginia only between 2014 and 2020, or just six years in the Commonwealth’s long history. Voters have voted without incident both before and since that time. Many older voters and particularly those who do not drive lack a photo ID; and getting one, even a free one, would create a hurdle for these voters to overcome. This bill would particularly harm voters who have no need for a driver’s license and who work in jobs that do not allow for much time off during the working day. These voters would be unable to obtain an alternate ID. This is only one example of large number of citizens who would be disenfranchised by this bill. We urge you to vote no.

Last Name: Weatherup Locality: Chantilly

I write in support of bills HB 964 and HB 965. HB 965 would enter Virginia into a national compact, an agreement with other states who have also passed it, so that every single state becomes important for Presidential campaigns. Too many Americans believe their votes don't matter, and when it comes to Presidential elections, it is true depending on whether your state is likely to vote Republican or Democrat. This bill would be a step toward changing that. HB 964 would allow formerly incarcerated people to vote - and, critically, instruct the proper authorities to provide voter registration applications and materials upon their release from a prison. Having the right to vote without being aware of it or knowing how to take advantage of it is almost like not having the right. Please support these bills and all efforts to make voting easier.

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

HB965 - National Popular Vote Compact; enters Virginia into an interstate compact.

Last Name: Griffin Organization: Indivisible Locality: Fairfax

I support HB965 and the idea of one person, one vote. Elections shouldn’t be spending all their time in swing states; all votes should matter. This is the path to stopping our current corrupt system of choosing candidates.

Last Name: Panhans Locality: Arlington

Last Name: Slovak Locality: Purcellville

The National Vote Compact is a step towards authoritarianism. Ms. Price, and those who support this effort, know full well the reasons for the Electoral College and how it protects this Republic. What she and the others supporting this effort are doing, is advocating for the tyranny of the majority...we are NOT a democracy. Any support of this Compact is un-american and should be publicized .

Last Name: Schmitt Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: Souare Locality: Mc Lean

Presidential electors; National Popular Vote Compact. Enters Virginia into an interstate compact known as the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote. Article II of the Constitution of the United States gives the states exclusive and plenary authority to decide the manner of awarding their electoral votes. Under the compact, Virginia agrees to award its electoral votes to the presidential ticket that receives the most popular votes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Last Name: Costigan Organization: Up Vote Virginia Locality: Greene County, Ruckersville,Va

Presidential candidates craft policy for battleground voters, not Virginians. National Popular Vote makes all voters relevant. Four out of 5 Americans live in "safe red" or "safe blue" states where their presidential vote doesn't make a difference. That includes all Virginians. Let's change this. National Popular Vote is 61 electoral votes away from activation. Virginia's 13 votes bring the total to 222 of 270. Seventeen states + DC have already joined the compact (209 electoral votes). Virginia can help reach the 270 needed to activate it. Pete Costigan

Last Name: Hogge Locality: Henrico

Oppose HB965 - Currently 17 States & DC are in the compact, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, & DC: with a total of 207 Electoral College votes. These states joined when there was a DEMOCRAT TRIFECTA in the government. Only 4 out of all the previous Presidential elections: 1876, 1888, 2000, 2016. Using the compact will disregard the votes cast in states that did not support the candidate(s) who did receive the most votes in other states: Essentially eliminating the 'one voter - one vote'. As history has shown us - having one group of voters discarded was wrong then and is still wrong today.

Last Name: Hogge Locality: Henrico

Oppose HB965 - Currently 17 States & DC are in the compact, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, & DC: with a total of 207 Electoral College votes. These states joined when there was a DEMOCRAT TRIFECTA in the government. Using the compact will disregard the votes cast in states that did not support the candidate(s) who did receive the most votes in other states: Essentially eliminating the 'one voter - one vote'. As history has shown us - having one group of voters discarded was wrong then and is still wrong today.

Last Name: Beale Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: Blue Locality: Loudoun

Last Name: Futrell Locality: Alexandria

I support HB965 because every Virginian’s vote should matter equally in choosing the President. The National Popular Vote Compact ensures the presidency reflects the will of all voters—not just swing states. Please advance this bill. One person, one vote. HB965 gives Virginia voters real influence in presidential elections. The Compact ensures our Commonwealth counts in every election, not only in close years.I urge you to pass this bill. Election campaigns should not spend all their time in swing states, all votes should matter. The National Popular Vote Compact will give voters in Virginia a true say in our government. I support HB965 because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide. The National Popular Vote Compact modernizes our system without changing the Constitution. This will ensure that every Virginia vote truly counts. I ask you to support this bill.

Last Name: Porter Locality: Richmond

I support HB 965 to make our elections more representative of the peoples' voice. Please move it forward!

Last Name: Snodgrass Organization: None Locality: Suffolk

Hello delegates of the subcommittee, My name is Amber Snodgrass. I am a resident of the city of Suffolk, and I’m writing to urge you to reject advancing HB965. I have three reasons for this. First, this bill circumvents the design of the founders of our great nation by awarding electoral college votes to the winner of a national popular vote. We are and have always been a republic, not a pure democracy. The design of the founders is unique, fair to all voters, and ought to be a source of pride for us. For us to alter that it is both unwise and shortsighted. Secondly, if you advance this, and it passes, and the Compact reaches 270 electoral college votes, you will disenfranchise voters in rural areas. The bill claims to give voice to every voter, but in practice it would erase the wishes of half the country in one fell swoop. We would become like the distopian society of the Hunger Games, ruled by every desire of big cities while flyover states and rural areas are pillaged to support city life (see Albert, Canada). And third, the electoral college is a safeguard against mob rule and rash changes to our nation on the whims of an uninformed public. It ensures changes are slow, and hard won. Believe it or not, that is a good thing for a lasting nation. The public, myself included, is easily deceived. We saw this demonstrated clearly during the COVID outbreak. We need the electoral college to function as brakes. If changes are slow. truth has a fighting chance. For all these reasons, I urge you to vote no on HB965. Thank you for your time. - Amber Snodgrass

Last Name: Compton Locality: Prince Edward

My vote on this bill is no. I think Virginians vote should stand as a state and not in a block of states to decide for the electoral college. Vote no!

Last Name: Clark Organization: NAACP Virginia State Conference Locality: Chesapeake

The National Popular Vote Compact ensures that every vote carries equal weight and that the presidency reflects the will of the people nationwide. By joining the compact, Virginia would help strengthen democratic legitimacy and reduce voter disenfranchisement in historically marginalized communities. On behalf of the NAACP Virginia State Conference, we support HB965 and urge the committee to advance this legislation.

Last Name: Middleton Locality: Albemarle

Please vote to pass this bill to bring Virginia into "National Popular Vote Interstate Compact." Our electoral system is broken. Presidential candidates craft policy for battleground voters, not Virginians. National Popular Vote makes all voters relevant. I firmly believe that the path towards healing the political divides that are threatening our country ands democracy is through voting rights reform. This is one measure that will help. Thanks you, Leslie Middleton

Last Name: Nguyen Locality: Sterling, VA

Please let every vote across America really, actually count whether we're living in a "swing" district/state or not, and support the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact!

Last Name: Eisenberg Locality: Albemarle

Presidential candidates craft policy for battleground voters, not Virginians. National Popular Vote makes all voters relevant. 4 out of 5 Americans live in "safe red" or "safe blue" states where their presidential vote doesn't make a difference. That includes all Virginians. Let's change this. National Popular Vote is 61 electoral votes away from activation. Virginia's 13 votes bring the total to 222 of 270. 17 states + DC have already joined the compact (209 electoral votes). Virginia can help reach the 270 needed to activate it

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

Last Name: Martin Locality: Springfield

I support HB965. The National Popular Vote Compact ensures the presidency reflects the will of all voters, not just swing state voters. Please advance this bill.

Last Name: Dukatt Locality: Russett

I had written this proposal in 2018 and still works for today as a compromise for fixing the electoral college to always represent the popular vote: I wanted to weigh in on this. The Electoral College is clearly flawed. However, there are ways to fix it without eliminating it completely. One of the big issues is that it benefits the smaller states. The electoral college is calculated based on the number of house seats + senate seats. Every state is guaranteed 3 electoral college votes. If Wyoming only had 5 people living there, they would still get those 3 electoral college votes. One could argue that if they got rid of the constant 2 every state is guaranteed for their Senators. This would mean Wyoming would only get 1 (instead of 3) and California would get 53 (instead of 55). This would be close to proportional to the population, but still not perfect. This would've solved the issue in the 2 of the 4 elections where the electoral vote & popular vote didn't match. Here is what the results would've been in those 4 elections with this: In 1876 & 2000, Samuel Tilden & Al Gore would've become President (national popular vote). However, in 1888 President Grover Cleveland still would've be upset by Benjamin Harrison and in 2016, we still end up with Trump. However, I came up with a solution in which ALL 4 of these elections go with the popular vote WITHOUT getting rid of the electoral college (and therefore, no having to amend the Constitution). I propose that House electoral votes go with the state vote & the Senate (constant 2) electoral votes go with the National Popular Vote. For example, Wyoming would give 1 of their electoral votes to Trump and the constant 2 would go to the popular vote winner, Hillary. This would guarantee 102 electoral college votes go with the national popular vote (DC would be included in that too). Here are what the results would've been if we had that system in place: 1876 Tilden 150 Hayes 143 1888 Cleveland 208 Harrison 193 2000 Gore 327 Bush 211 2016 Clinton 287 Trump 244 In addition to the obvious electoral vote going with the popular, there are other advantages to this system. This would encourage Presidential candidates to go to even the non-competitive states to try to get every vote they could. Candidates might go to get votes in Red states like Texas, Utah, or Wyoming and Blue states like Massachusetts, Vermont, or California to try to get every national popular vote they could. Additionally, it would help with voter turnout. Some in solidly red or blue states don't feel like voting because they know the Presidential results in their state go the same way every time. With this proposed system, people would be more encouraged to vote because not only the state results get counted in the electoral college, but the national vote does as well.

Last Name: Willis Locality: Fairfax

I support entering the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote. I believe this will make our presidential elections more representative of the country and Virginia can be a powerful leader in the effort.

Last Name: Batsche Organization: UpVote Virginia Locality: Richmond, VA

I urge you to approve HB965 to commit the Commonwealth of Virginia to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The Compact will make presidential elections more competitive by forcing presidential campaigns to seek votes everywhere - not just in a handful of swing states. The Current Electoral College Rules Dampen Competition: • 4 out of 5 Americans live in "safe red" or "safe blue" states, making presidential votes in those virtually inconsequential to the outcome. • Only 7 to 10 battleground states determine the outcome in most election cycles. • Presidential campaigns ignore states where the outcome is predictable. • Voters in non‑competitive states have near-zero marginal impact on campaign strategy, turnout efforts, or policy targeting. NPVIC Changes the Incentive Structure: Candidates must appeal to • Urban, suburban, and rural voters across all regions • States with different economic bases (energy, agriculture, tech, manufacturing). • Diverse demographic groups nationwide. • It expands the competitive field from 7-10 swing states to all 50 states. NPVIC Makes All Votes Relevant: • Campaigns can no longer ignore “safe” states because margins matter in all states. • Increased turnout in any state directly affects the national margin. • Increases the number of pivotal voters by tens of millions. • Millions of voters in safe states become newly relevant. • Aligns candidates’ platform with national voter preferences, not state-level quirks. • The national electorate becomes more diverse and geographically less polarized. • The effective “battleground” becomes the entire country. • The presidential contest becomes more competitive, representative, and nationally distributed. MAKE EVERY VOTE MATTER!

Last Name: Williams Locality: Brisow VA

HB965 is the “Hey Virginia, hand your car keys to a guy three states over and hope he likes where YOU wanted to go” bill. It doesn’t “fix” democracy; it tells Virginia voters, “Your vote matters… unless everyone else disagrees, then never mind.” Here’s the scam in plain English: under this compact, Virginia holds an election, Virginians vote, we tally the results… and then we’re required to give our electors to whoever wins the national popular vote, even if Virginia voted the other way. That’s not clever constitutional jiu‑jitsu, that’s volunteering to ignore your own people. The Electoral College was designed so states decide how to use their electors, not so they all sign a pinky‑swear pact saying, “We promise to follow the crowd no matter what.” With HB965, a slim margin in Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago gets to wipe out a clear decision in Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach, while we pretend our electors “represent” Virginia. The sales pitch is “every vote equal.” The fine print is “every state meaningless.” Campaigns will chase raw vote piles in a few giant media markets and treat everyone else like background extras. Rural Virginia, small towns, local issues—good luck getting a candidate to care when the real prize is packing another 20,000 votes into a metro they’ve already locked up. And this isn’t some tidy, efficient system; it’s a litigation factory. A close national race means you’re not just fighting over a few counties in one state—you’re fighting over every ballot in every state, because any scrap of votes anywhere could flip everyone’s electors. That’s not stability. That’s a coast‑to‑coast recount with lawyers breeding like fruit flies. My favorite red flag is the “you can’t withdraw within six months of the end of a presidential term” clause. If this idea is so brilliant, why do they need a deadbolt on the exit? That’s not confidence; that’s “we know you’ll hate this once you see it in action, so we’re locking the doors.” “Okay, buddy, you vote in Virginia. We count your vote in Virginia. We see who won in Virginia. Then we throw that out if the rest of the country picked someone else, and send our electors to their choice instead.” Even the little singing bill would look at you and say, “That’s not how any of this is supposed to work.” HB965 doesn’t make your vote stronger; it makes your state disposable. It turns Virginia from ‘We choose our electors’ into ‘We’ll wait to see who everyone else likes and fall in line.’ That’s not reform, that’s surrender—with extra paperwork and a smiley‑face sticker slapped on top.

Last Name: Weatherup Locality: Chantilly

Last Name: Hollings Locality: Lancaster

I am writing to voice my support for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. Every other election is decided by who earners the most votes, why not our president? Most people live in states where the outcome is already determined, giving voters a disincentive to vote. Every vote should matter equally so I hope VA will join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.

Last Name: geragotelis Locality: onancock

I support ranked choice voting. It improves democracy and allows citizens to more accurately support the candidates they like.

Last Name: Hanna Locality: Norfolk

I am writing in support of HB965. Every Virginian’s vote should count equally, every vote matters.

Last Name: Killebrew Locality: Reston

Please support Ranked Choice Voting.

Last Name: Robert Pixley Locality: Prince William County

Ranked Choice Voting should be adopted. It provides the mechanism to allow a true majority to elect our leaders. Run-off elections are expensive, time consuming and significantly under represent the voting public. Rarely do we find something that is definitively better at it's purpose that's also simpler and cheaper. And when the conditions aren't met, i.e. just two candidates, functions like the status quo. Everyone has done ranked choice voting in their lives. "If they have a chicken salad get that, but if not get me a burger". On top of all that, it encourages candidates to reach outside of their party or base. Being 70% of the voters 2nd choice easily wins a closely divided election. And even better, gives independent candidates a real shot at winning allowing voters to reject both major parties. RCV is really a win win win scenario. It makes a majority of people have voted for the winner, without the cost and negative properties of run-off elections. We need the public to be invested in it's elected leadership, and the current two party (in all but name) oligarchy system is falling apart. Please support Ranked Choice Voting.

Last Name: Blair Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: Aysa-Lastra Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: Hendricks III Organization: Democrats for the Electoral College Locality: Nashville by way of Farmville

“HB 965, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, is not democratic reform—it is a dangerous surrender of Virginia’s constitutional authority over presidential elections. I am from Farmville, Virginia, a community that understands all too well what happens when voting systems are manipulated in the name of fairness. I also served as a Hillary Clinton elector in the 2016 presidential election. I understand the frustration with the Electoral College. But this compact goes too far and opens the door to abuse. Under this plan, Virginia would be required to award its electors based on other states’ vote totals, rules, and certification practices—rules Virginians do not control and did not approve. In fact, under this scheme, Virginia would have been forced to give its electors to President 47, pushing his total to more than 500 electoral votes and effectively hollowing out the role of the states in presidential elections. This proposal also plays directly into President 45/47’s calls to nationalize elections. By blurring state authority and centralizing outcomes without centralized accountability, HB 965 strengthens the argument for federal takeover of election administration—at the very moment when election deniers are actively searching for new ways to undermine democracy. Virginia’s Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of Virginia exist to protect transparency, equity, and state control over elections. HB 965 weakens all three. For these reasons, it should be rejected.” — Jasper L. Hendricks III Director, Democrats for the Electoral College

Last Name: Way Locality: Richmond

I urge passage of HB965 would be a step toward Virginia joining the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The bill is important in restoring truly competitive national presidential election process in which the candidate with the highest popular vote would become president. It would ensure that that the voices of voters in all states including Virginia are relevant. Seventeen states plus D.C. have joined the compact. Passage of HB965 would put Virginia on the road to being part of the compact and of a critical change in the broken national election system.

Last Name: Caywood Locality: Virginia Beach

I support HB965 because it is a constitutionally permissible way of ensuring that the election of President reflects the will of the majority of voters. When the Constitution was adopted, the Electoral College was premised on a House of Representatives that would expand to reflect population growth. That meant the number of electoral votes roughly correlated with each state's population, plus two for the senators. However, the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929 capped the number in the House at 435. Since then the US population has grown from 122 million to 331 million and representation has become greatly distorted. The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact returns election of the President closer to the proportional representation intended by the Constitution's adopters. Please vote yes for HB965.

Last Name: Knutsen Locality: Falls Church

PLEASE vote in favor of this bill, and enable each and every Virginian’s vote to actually COUNT in the final tally for the president of our United States! “Winner take all” does every voter a disservice…let’s have Virginia join the other 17 states and DC to make this happen! And THANK YOU for your public service to Virginia!! Warmest regards, Linda Knutsen Proud Virginia resident since 1983!

Last Name: Gartley Locality: Fairfax County

I support the National Popular Vote Compact One person, one vote will give everyone equal influence in elections. The winner should have the majority of Americans voting for the winner and doesn’t require changing the Constitution. Please support this bill.

Last Name: Teel Locality: Keezletown

I strongly encourage you to vote for HB 965 to connect Virginia to the national popular vote. The person with the most votes should win the election. If this had happened perhaps we would not have the deeply troubled president we have now because he never would have won in the first place. Since a constitutional amendment to this effect is nearly impossible to get passed, this is the next best option. I would like my vote to count this way.

Last Name: Bowen Locality: Hampton

Support - I support HB965 because I want every single person to be equally represented - no matter their political party or if they live in a battleground state or not!

Last Name: Bowen Locality: Hampton

I am writing in support of HB965 because I want our presential elections to be fair. Today, only battleground states are important to presidential candidates. If we join the 17 other states (plus DC) in the compact, we're one step closer to ensuring that 1 person = 1 vote. Thank you!

Last Name: Shipman Locality: Springfield

One person, one vote. HB965 gives Virginia voters real influence in presidential elections. The Compact ensures our Commonwealth counts in every election, not only in close years.I urge you to pass this bill.

Last Name: Bianco Locality: Williamsburg

I'm writing in support of HB965 and the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. I'm 55 years old, and for my entire adult life I've watched presidential candidates treat Virginia — and most of America — as an afterthought. Under winner-take-all, our state is simply not competitive enough to warrant attention. The result is that the policies, priorities, and promises of presidential campaigns are shaped by the concerns of voters in a handful of battleground states, not by the concerns of Virginians. This isn't a partisan grievance. I've felt this way even when my preferred candidate won. The principle is simple: in a democracy, every vote for president should carry equal weight regardless of where you live. Right now, that's not the case, and it hasn't been for a long time. And the problem goes deeper than the state level. Winner-take-all doesn't just render entire states irrelevant — it silences voters within those states. A conservative voter in Arlington or a progressive voter in rural Southwest Virginia might as well stay home for all the impact their presidential vote has. Their vote is absorbed into a statewide result that was never in doubt, and it counts for nothing in the final tally. The National Popular Vote fixes this. Under a popular vote system, every single vote adds to your candidate's national total regardless of whether your neighbors agree with you. A Republican vote in California carries exactly the same weight as one in Wyoming. A Democratic vote in Mississippi matters just as much as one in Massachusetts. That's what "one person, one vote" actually looks like. The 2024 election made the current dysfunction starkly clear. Out of roughly 155 million votes cast nationwide, the outcome hinged on fewer than 230,000 votes across just three states. Millions of voters in the other 47 states — including every Virginian — were effectively bystanders. That's not a healthy democracy. The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact is a practical, constitutional remedy that doesn't require abolishing the Electoral College. It simply uses the authority that Article II of the Constitution already grants to state legislatures to determine how their electors are appointed. Seventeen states and D.C. have already joined, representing 209 of the 270 electoral votes needed to activate the compact. Virginia's 13 electoral votes would bring the total to 222 — meaningful progress toward the finish line. This idea commands broad public support. Pew Research found in 2023 that 65% of Americans favor electing the president by popular vote, including 47% of Republicans — the highest GOP support in recent years. Gallup polling stretching back to the 1940s has consistently found majority support for this change. This is not a fringe proposal; it reflects what most Americans already believe: the person who gets the most votes should win. I urge you to vote HB965 out of subcommittee. Virginia has a chance to take a meaningful step toward making every voter in every state matter in every presidential election.

Last Name: Goldenberg Locality: Fairfax County

I support HB965 because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide, not just in swing states. The National Popular Vote Compact modernizes our system without changing the Constitution. This will ensure that every Virginia vote, and every American vote, truly counts. I ask you to support this bill.

Last Name: Ochs Locality: Springfield

Please vote to replace the “winner takes all” system of the electoral college with a true “one person, one vote” system!

Last Name: King Locality: Burke

I support HB965 because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide. The National Popular Vote Compact modernizes our system without changing the Constitution. This will ensure that every Virginia vote truly counts. I ask you to support this bill. Thank you for time and consideration.

Last Name: Baron Locality: Fairfax County (Alexandria)

Echo the comments of others in support of HB965; in particular, I support because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide. The National Popular Vote Compact modernizes our system without changing the Constitution. This will ensure that every Virginian’s vote truly counts. Virginia representatives should support this bill.

Last Name: Masterman Organization: Select... Locality: Fairfax County, Alexandria

—I support HB965 because every Virginian’s vote should matter equally in choosing the President. The National Popular Vote Compact ensures the presidency reflects the will of all voters—not just swing states. Please advance this bill. —One person, one vote. HB965 gives Virginia voters real influence in presidential elections. The Compact ensures our Commonwealth counts in every election, not only in close years.I urge you to pass this bill. —Election campaigns should not spend all their time in swing states; all votes should matter. The National Popular Vote Compact will give voters in Virginia a true say in our government. —I support HB965 because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide. The National Popular Vote Compact modernizes our system without changing the Constitution. This will ensure that every Virginia vote truly counts. I ask you to support this bill. Joan K. Masterman jmasterman@cox.net 703.217.7933

Last Name: Miwa Locality: Burke

I support HB965 because every Virginian’s vote should matter equally in choosing the President. The National Popular Vote Compact ensures the presidency reflects the will of all voters—not just swing states. One person, one vote. HB965 gives Virginia voters real influence in presidential elections. The Compact ensures our Commonwealth counts in every election, not only in close years. Election campaigns should not spend all their time in swing states; all votes should matter. The National Popular Vote Compact will give voters in Virginia a true say in our government. I support HB965 because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide. The National Popular Vote Compact modernizes our system without changing the Constitution. This will ensure that every Virginia vote truly counts. Please pass this bill.

Last Name: Friedman Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: Parnell Organization: Save Our States Action Locality: Alexandria

Summary of Attached Full Testimony NPV would nullify the voice of Virginia’s voters. In 2024 our electoral votes would have gone to Donald Trump despite the voters of the Commonwealth favoring Vice President Kamala Harris. One person, one vote is an important democratic principle, but it is not the only one. Separation of powers, protections for minorities, and federalism are important democratic principles as well, and the Electoral College balances these and other principles. In addition, NPV has numerous technical defects that threaten to blow up our presidential election process and produce chaos, confusion, and crises. Lobbyists for the compact will insist these defects are either myths or purely hypothetical and unlikely to ever happen. In fact, many of these defects can be seen simply by looking at what has happened in recent elections and then asking the question “What if this happened again while NPV was in effect?” or looking at current state laws and practices and asking “What if this state is still doing this when NPV is in effect?” For example, in 2024 West Virginia did not have certified vote totals available by the time the compact would have needed them if it was in effect. What if this happens again? It’s unclear– NPV’s lobbyists have sometimes said vote totals would be estimated for that state, or that state just wouldn’t have any votes included in the national count, and other times they’ve simply ducked the issue by insisting that what just happened can’t happen. On the other hand, New York certified its vote totals in 2008, 2012, and 2016 despite having more than a hundred thousand uncounted ballots in each of those elections at the time of certification, including nearly 425,000 missing votes in 2012. Compact states would have to accept incomplete and inaccurate vote totals from another state so long as they are reported on that state’s “official statements.” Regarding ranked-choice voting, NPV does not specify whether the first- or final-round vote totals, which can differ by tens or even hundreds of thousands of votes, must be used when tabulating the national count. Alaska’s statewide canvas only reports first-round votes while the state’s Certificate of Ascertainment will report the final-round numbers. It will be up to each member state to decide for themselves which of these “official statements” to use as the source of official vote totals. Then there’s laws on the books in a few states, including Minnesota and Mississippi, allowing voters to use the write-in process to split their votes for presidential electors between tickets. If just a single voter in one of these states were to split their votes, the state would not have met the compact’s definition of a “statewide popular election,” and all of its votes would be excluded from the national vote count. That’s more than four million popular votes in those two states the compact wouldn’t include. And in a close election, a national recount would be impossible because every state has its own recount laws and it’s not clear how or even if they can be applied to NPV. If the national margin was only 100,000 votes, depending on how states interpret and apply their recount laws, between twenty-five and sixty-one percent of all ballots nationally would not be included in a recount. NPV is a defective and dangerous compact. I urge you to reject it.

Last Name: Gonzalez-Jorge Locality: Springfield

I support HB965 because every Virginian’s vote should matter equally in choosing the President. The National Popular Vote Compact ensures the presidency reflects the will of all voters—not just swing states. Please advance this bill. I disdain the Electoral College because it is a system set up to disenfranchise voters. It distorts the democratic promise of one person, one vote, and gives primary focus to swing states. It is absurd that the majority of people in the United States vote for a candidate and that candidate does not win because of complicated rules to get around the result. It compromises faith in a democratic process to add rules that are confusing and unintuitive to the public.

Last Name: Lindquist Locality: McLean

I support HB965 because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide. The National Popular Vote Compact modernizes our system without changing the Constitution. This will ensure that every Virginia vote truly counts. Campaigns should not spend all of their time and money in swing states. All votes should matter. I urge you to pass this bill. Thank you.

Last Name: Sorohan Locality: Alexandria

Make one person, one vote a reality. Support HB965 so that Virginia joins the National Popular Vote Compact. One state’s votes should not matter more than another’s.

Last Name: Sorohan Locality: Alexandria

Please vote for HB965. Every Virginian’s vote should count equally. The Electoral College did not even exist until 1877. Our presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide.

Last Name: Ochs Locality: Springfield

Please support HB 965 today. One person, one vote.

Last Name: Gibson Locality: Alexandria

SUPPORT - I support HB965 because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide.

Last Name: Walton Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: CACHON RODRIGUEZ Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: Uhler Locality: Alexandria

I support HB965 because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide. Thee we National Popular Vote Compact modernizes our system without changing the Constitution. This will ensure that every Cirginia vote truly counts. I ask you to support this bill.

Last Name: Berthrong Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: Zinsli Locality: Fairfax

Last Name: Doyle Locality: Fairfax County

For many years now, the electoral system has failed the people, and it is based on outdated and flawed ideas about who’s vote should count more than others. I support HB965 because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide. The National Popular Vote Compact modernizes our system without changing the Constitution. This will ensure that every Virginia vote truly counts. I ask you to support this bill. It could help save our democracy.

Last Name: Vogel Locality: Fairfax

Last Name: Papp Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: Pearson Locality: Burke

I strongly favor the National Popular Vote Compact. I support HB965 because every Virginian’s vote should matter equally in choosing the President. The National Popular Vote Compact ensures the presidency reflects the will of all voters—not just swing states. Please advance this bill. One person, one vote. HB965 gives Virginia voters real influence in presidential elections. The Compact ensures our Commonwealth counts in every election, not only in close years.I urge you to pass this bill. Election campaigns should not spend all their time in swing states; all votes should matter. The National Popular Vote Compact will give voters in Virginia a true say in our government. I support HB965 because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide. The National Popular Vote Compact modernizes our system without changing the Constitution. This will ensure that every Virginia vote truly counts. I ask you to support this bill.

Last Name: Schiffer Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: Tomai Locality: Fairfax county

Last Name: HILLER Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: Cox Organization: Concerned Citizen Locality: Falls Church

Last Name: Waggoner Locality: Alexandria

SUPPORT - I support HB965 because every Virginian’s vote should matter equally in choosing the President. The National Popular Vote Compact ensures the presidency reflects the will of all voters—not just swing states. Please advance this bill.

Last Name: Heckman Locality: Alexandria

SUPPORT - I support HB965 because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide. The National Popular Vote Compact modernizes our system without changing the Constitution. This will ensure that every Virginia vote truly counts. I ask you to support this bill.

Last Name: Heffernan Locality: Alexandria

HB965 gives Virginia voters real influence in presidential elections. The Compact ensures our Commonwealth counts in every election, not only in close years. One person, one vote. I strongly urge you to pass this bill.

Last Name: Martin Locality: Farifax

I support HB965 because presidential elections should depend on winning the most votes nationwide, not just in swing states. The National Popular Vote Compact modernizes our electoral vote system without changing the Constitution. This will ensure that every Virginia vote truly counts. I ask that you support this bill.

Last Name: Meyer Locality: Arlington Va

Last Name: Moore Locality: Falls Church

Last Name: Miller Organization: Volunteer with the Do Something Alexandria Indivisible group Locality: City of Alexandria

I support this bill. I believe Virginia should join the 17 other states (and DC) who have signed the compact, which would ensure that all votes matter; not just those of swing state voters.

Last Name: Lincoln Locality: Springfield

SUPPORT - Election campaigns should not spend all their time in swing states, all votes should matter. The National Popular Vote Compact will give voters in Virginia a true say in our government. Thank you.

Last Name: Lincoln Locality: Springfield

Last Name: Adler Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: Tamres Locality: Sterling

I urge you to pass HB965, "National Popular Vote Compact". It would add Virginia to the list of states that will form a state compact to grant Electoral College votes to the winner of the national popular vote for President. The compact will be in effect once a sufficient number of states join to equal or exceed the threshold of 270 Electoral College votes needed to elect our President. This compact is greatly needed to prevent the Electoral College from reflecting the partisan gerrymandering that has taken over the country. The Electoral College violates the concept of one person, one vote, by giving too much weight to voters in less populated states. This unfortunate situation is a by-product of the Reapportionment Act of 1929. That Act froze the size of the U.S. House of Representatives at 435 instead of allowing it to continue to grow to reflect the actual population of the country. So while the Act eliminated a fight over reapportionment every 10 years, it corrupted the ability of the Electoral College to accurately reflect the population across the country when determining the winner of the presidential race. The National Popular Vote state compact will allow the country to move past the limitations of the Electoral College without the passage of a constitutional amendment. It will allow us to try this out and then determine if an amendment is warranted. Thank you for your time and attention.

Last Name: Arnold Locality: Bristol

I am opposed to HB965 -National Popular Vote Compact. Virginia's electoral votes must only be given to the candidate Virginia voters have elected. It is totally unacceptable to consider anything else.

Last Name: Wissinger Locality: Virginia Beach

I oppose this bill. The only fair & equitable way of choosing a president and vice president is to maintain the electoral college of these united states of America.

Last Name: ORourke Locality: Alexandria

Last Name: Laume Locality: Springfield

SUPPORT - One person - one vote is a fair principle; well accepted by all. Electoral College process is not well understood by most. Many do not realize EC limits Virginian's voice as US Pres/VP campaigns focus only on swing states. That swing state focus not only draws attention away from VA voters, but also takes away the dollars that follow campaigns from ads/lodging/restaurants/etc. A Constitutional amendment is near impossible ( for ex. ERA) but this solution is within reach.

Last Name: Laume Locality: Fairfax County

SUPPORT - One person - one vote. Most can agree it's a fair philosophy, but one the Electoral College negates. Without determining Pres/VP winners via popular vote, even the campaigns' attention concentrates on just a few states, moving the fairest philosophy farther out of reach. It seemed impossible to change the Electoral College with a Constitutional Amendment, but this bill creates another way to give all a fair say in who will lead our country.

Last Name: Mullin Locality: Henrico

Please vote no on this proposal. I do not want to give up my own representation at the whim of the popular vote across the country. The electoral college is designed to ensure that there is fairness in our presidential elections. If you are seeking to fundamentally change that process, then get it done for real. Making up this workaround is a cheap shot at gaining control and disenfranchising Virginia citizens. I am disgusted by this proposal.

Last Name: Thomas Locality: Cross Junction, Virginia

My name is Marc Thomas. I am writing to comment on HB965. The electoral college was designed by our founding fathers to give the states a voice in who will be the president of these united states of America. They understood that population alone would exclude the states that are less populous. Each state is authorized the number of 2 U.S. senators plus congressional house districts based on the state’s population of citizens, no less than 30,000 citizens and no more than 50,000 citizens per congressional house district. The only fair & equitable way of choosing a president and vice president is to maintain the electoral college of these united states of America. I encourage all general assembly members of Virginia to please vote no on HB965. The best way to reach me is through email. My email address is mathomas156@comcast.net.

Last Name: Wooldridge Locality: Lynch station

I do not support HB965.

Last Name: Parnell Locality: HILLSVILLE

Popular Vote compact

Last Name: Bedford Locality: Yorktown

It's criminal to change this. Our commonwealth is founded on the Electoral college. Changing it is the governor trying to manipulate the outcome of elections.

Last Name: Speed Locality: Chesterfield

I oppose HB965. We need our voices and votes heard.

Last Name: Beaudoin Locality: Fairfax County

Aligning the vote to Popular Vote Nationwide is an unfair practice. It goes against the very reason of having an electoral college. Virginia is a very bipartisan state and represents multiple political backgrounds. Removing their votes is Unconstitutional and each of the House Districts represented by the Electoral Votes ensures a fair and impartial election process. I wholeheartedly believe that HB965 should be removed from consideration and any attempts to alter the Virginia’s Constitution to support a majority rule breaks the very fabric of design of the Republic of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia along with removing the democratic process of votes.

Last Name: Linscott Locality: Isle of Wight

I do not support bypassing the Electoral system and disenfranchising Virginia constituents who may not agree with the national popular votes. The Republic has operated on the electoral system a long time and in my opinion has worked well. Something to ponder though is that if we do away with the electoral system, do we really need elective representatives? Every bill can be opened up to the masses and passed or defeated via internet voting. So, no senator or representatives or president at all; just administrative types to handle everything. Lawyers and judges to make the laws. Well, only the first two sentences should be relevant. The rest is rambling.

Last Name: Staehle Locality: County

Virginia voters deserve to have their voting choices heard. To have these votes lost is a nation pool of votes cancels their right to be heard.

Last Name: Ehlinger Locality: Front Royal

I oppose HB781 and HB965. First, abortion, the murder of innocent preborn life, is never a right and can never be justified. There so many married men and women who are infertile who would love to adopt. There's not too many children but too little love and a sense of responsibility for vulnerable unborn and born children and women with crisis pregnancies who are far better served by a life giving ethos that cares for them and their babies, not one that only serves to destroy and exploit. As for HB965, I am opposed to it for the obvious reason that it circumvents our Constitutional and God-given right to elect our country's leaders free from undo outside influence that is more based on mob mentality and popular politics rather than common sense and the unchanging laws of God as well as unchanging truth, justice and the Natural Law. Right is not always popular, but it is always right even if no one is doing it, just as wrong is always wrong even if everyone is doing it. Without that eternal foundation built by our Creator, the house of civilization collapses, as is so evident in the daily news and around each of us. Without Christ, we can do nothing!

Last Name: Bowling Locality: Partlow

The popular vote majority determined which candidate won all electoral votes since the constitution was written. Why change??! You are not smarter than the forefathers. Actually this proposal follows the second law of thermodynamics, which basically states that all processes start in an organized state and performs until it reaches a disorganized state. This proposal is Communism.

Last Name: Moran Locality: Bealeton

I oppose amy effort or motion to align my vote with the national popular vote. Vorgonians deserve to have our votes counted separately, as the founders intended. Do not disenfranchise Virginia voters with this proposal.

Last Name: Edwards Locality: Montgomery

Please oppose this bill!

Last Name: Horn Locality: Pounding Mill

Unamerican attempt to illegally influence national elections. A typical demoncrat tactic, abridging the Constitution.

Last Name: Hazard Locality: Suffolk, VA

I am adamantly opposed to the national popular vote. Keep the Electoral College as the founding fathers intended.

Last Name: Dixon Locality: Grayson County

I am opposed to the "national popular vote" affecting any electoral votes for this state.

Last Name: Bell Locality: Manassas

I am against the National Popular vote compact. The Founding Fathers saw the Electoral College as a middle ground between giving the decision to Congress or to a direct vote by citizens. It keeps less populous states from being underrepresented by discouraging candidates from campaigning disproportionately in urban centers that are more heavily populated. Let’s protect the integrity of our elections at all costs.

Last Name: Kmetz Locality: NEWPORT NEWS

I don't think you should award Virginia's electoral votes based on the National popular vote. If that is the case, why should we even vote because my vote won't count if my vote goes to a candidate that I didn't vote for. It's a lot different if the will of Virginians decide who wins the electoral votes whether or not I voted for that candidate Each state is separate and together with other states' electoral votes, is how we should elect the President. Ultimately, this will back-fire and maybe Virginia will end up "voting" for someone we don't want and the electoral vote would have prevented this. Y'all need to think long term, not short term. Thank you.

Last Name: Pennington Locality: Prince William

Why should how California, New York or Texas vote determine who gets Virginia's vote. Virginia should vote for Virginia and no one else.

Last Name: Emden Locality: Lorton

Don't want Virginia to join the National popular vote compact. This would lessen the impact of Virginia voters choice by relying on other states to allot our electors. This will not benefit Virginia voters. I strongly object to this bill.

Last Name: Harbour Locality: King George

As a voting , tax paying citizen of VA I oppose this bill and any bill that changes the way va electoral votes are used. I want my vote to count.

Last Name: Davis Locality: Henry county

As a citizen of virgina, I do not want this state to be included in a national popular vote compact!

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

Last Name: Barton Locality: Rockingham

Do not pass this bill. It is taking away the rights of Virginia citizens. The electorial college was put in place to protect all citizens so no one state or county can decide the results of an election. It is a fair and equitable way to handle voting so all are represented. NPV is a ridiculous methodology.

Last Name: Brooks Organization: US military veteran Locality: York

Do not water down Virginian voters inputs to the process by having our electoral college votes go to the candidate who wins the national popular vote. Virginia electoral college votes should reflect only the Virginia voter wishes

Last Name: Bost Locality: Sterling

All of Virginia's electors should remain with Virginia's popular vote.

Last Name: Budde Locality: Chesapeake

NVP is an ill-conceived idea. The Electoral College was designed by the founding Fathers to give the States a voice in who will be the President of these United States. They understood that sheer population alone would disenfranchise the States that are less populous. Each State is authorized the number of Congressional representations based on State population and districts, but only 2 U.S. Senators. Regardless of political background or persuasion, the only fair and equitable way of choosing a leader is to maintain the Electoral College of the United States. In the State of Virginia, a shift to NVP is a disenfranchisement of all the counties other than Northern Virginia counties. VOTE NO to inclusion in the NVP.

Last Name: Hazelwood Locality: Pittsylvania

This should not be done and I’m opposed to it. This will take the votes of Virginians away.

Last Name: Keysar Locality: Albemarle

The Citizens of our Commonwealth decide how our Electoral College Votes are cast. VOTE NO

Last Name: Cole Locality: Chester

HB965 is an attempt to manipulate the Electoral College. If this bill becomes law, Virginia’s 13 electoral votes would be awarded based on the so-called “national” popular vote rather than the choice made by Virginia voters. I do not agree with this attempt at manipulating Presidential election outcomes. The shortcomings of the current system stem from the very state-level “winner-take-all” laws that this bill proposes for Virginia that award all of a state’s electoral votes to the candidate receiving the most popular votes in that particular state. Because of these state winner-take-all laws, five of our 47 Presidents have entered office without winning the most popular votes nationwide. The loser of the national popular vote would have become President but for about 119,000 votes in 2004, 43,000 in 2020, and 240,000 in 2024. Because of winner-take-all, presidential candidates only pay attention to voters in closely divided battleground states. In 2024, 94% of the general-election campaign events took place in just seven states. That is, 43 states and 80% of U.S. voters were on the sidelines. The winner-take-all method of awarding electoral votes repeatedly generates controversies over real or imagined irregularities and incentivizes hair-splitting litigation. A mere 537 popular votes in one state decided the national outcome in 2000. An average of only about 280,000 popular votes spread over one, two, or three closely divided states decided the last seven presidential elections. In contrast, the national-popular-vote lead averaged 4,327,902 votes over the last seven presidential elections. Currently, every vote is NOT equal throughout the United States—for reasons including the formula for allocating electoral votes to the states, intra-decade population changes, and turnout differences that increase or decrease the value of a voter’s vote. Voters in the closely divided battleground states have an average of 200 times the weight of voters elsewhere in deciding the outcome. I further object to this legislation on the grounds that it could require their Virginia's electoral votes to be awarded to a candidate who did not win a majority in the Commonwealth. How is that protecting my vote?

Last Name: Jon Summerfield Locality: Newport news

We absolutely do not need the whims of national popularity dictating the out come of Virginia elections. This is exactly why the electoral college was put in place so that only we the people of this state decide the outcome of our elections. California, or anyone else for that matter needs zero say in our elections.

Last Name: Wilkerson Locality: Stafford

You have no right to take my (or anyone’s) vote and change it! I have a constitutional right to vote but you do not have a constitutional right to take that vote and not count it or to change it. It is as simple as that.

Last Name: Graham Locality: Ruckersville, VA

Passing this bill will take away the rights of every single citizen in Virginia. Our Founding Fathers established the Electoral College in the Constitution. Without it, cities like New York City would determine the winner of a given election, thereby canceling my vote. DO ALL THIS BILL TO COME UP FOR A VOTE!

Last Name: Colville Locality: Clarke County

The Electorial College exists for a reason. It exists to ensure fairness so that those in the minority still have a voice. It exists to promote and ensure the two party system continues. It discourages fraud in the election process. It helps to protect against mob rule which could decide lasting important changes based on volital temporary situations.

Last Name: Riedel Locality: Washington

Vote NO on HB612 Constitutional Amendment Repealing Prohibition on Same Sex Marriage Marriage is between one man and one woman. The Virginia Constitution should uphold that truth and not redefine marriage as 'same sex marriage' . If two people are in a same sex relationship, they should not be afforded the same benefits as a married man and woman.

Last Name: Timmons Locality: Loudoun, Ashburn

Please vote against this bill. The constitution specifically uses the electoral college to make elections as fair as possible for everyone. Without the electoral college, it becomes a “mob rule” situation leaving the minority with little to no say. For example, we do not want California or Nee York making laws for the entire country as different areas have different beliefs. This can also be stated about different counties within the state. I don’t believe Loudoun and Fairfax counties should set laws for other counties. This is a purely political power grab. If the United States Constitution electoral college is good enough for the country, it should be good enough for a single state.

Last Name: Konouck Organization: myself Locality: Fairfax

Why would we want our votes to be overwritten by other states? If we choose candidate "A" I don't want another state changing my vote to candidate "B". In the 2024 election, the poplar voted went to Trump, Virginia voted for Harris; I don't want our choice decided by how someone else voted. There will always be winners and losers; what benefits one camp today could swing to hurt in the future. If you want to tweak the elector college method, consider awarding electoral count by congressional districts. One electoral vote based on the district poplar vote and then two votes based on the state results.

Last Name: Walters Organization: Independent Locality: Wytheville

This is wrong nullify it

Last Name: Grant Locality: Frederick County

HB965 is an attempt to manipulate the Electoral College. I am NOT in favor of the NPV compact.Virginia should NOT be participating in this sort of federal nullification. Virginia's history is too rich and too storied to participate in something so short-sited and reckless. Vote 'NO' on HB 965.Totally against this measure. This would take away our voices completely. Please vote AGAINST the National Popular vote. It takes away my Virginia voice and vote by allowing the elections to be won by the most populous states.

Last Name: Loring Locality: Montross

I am against any attempt to manipulate the Electoral College and taking away individual Virginians' vote. Vote NO on HB965.

Last Name: Sullivan Locality: Orange County

I am not an attorney, nor am I a registered member of any political party. Virginia should NOT join the National Popular Vote Compact. That would force our Commonwealth to surrender our Electoral votes to the presidential candidate with the majority Electoral votes whether or not the majority of Virginia CITIZENS voted for him/her or not. We are a Republic, not a democracy. Our Electoral votes represent our votes, not something assigned to us. If Virginians (legal citizens) voted a certain way, then it should stand; win or lose. The Electoral College votes ensure that all states are given a voice, and if enough smaller states vote in enough strength to out-vote larger states (i.e., CA, NY et al) to win an election; it stands. Further, every single voter must show a valid pictorial identification; it is the only way to keep our sacred right to vote clean and legal.

Last Name: Harrison Locality: Virginia Beach

HB965 is an attempt to manipulate the Electoral College. I am NOT in favor of the NPV compact. I do not want big cities to negate my concerns. Virginia votes must not lose control over its electoral votes. I do not want large states to dominate all elections. Vote no.

Last Name: craig Locality: Warrenton

This bill must NOT be passed. Virginia should NOT be participating in this sort of federal nullification. Virginia's history is too rich and too storied to participate in something so short-sited and reckless. Vote 'NO' on HB 965

Last Name: HALL Locality: WAYNESBORO

Am opposed to National Popular Vote Compact - It is a trick to water my vote down and give away my influence. We live in a Republic not a Democracy.

Last Name: Lawhorne Locality: Amelia

Totally against this measure. This would take away our voices completely. Please vote AGAINST the National Popular vote. It takes away my Virginia voice and vote by allowing the elections to be won by the most populous states. This would allow voters from the large cities to definitively choose who is elected as President, totally ignoring the votes of the rural states. This would only further undermine the strength of our Constitutional Republic.

Last Name: Baczewski Locality: James City County

Please vote against this bill as it will take remove the vote from Virginians and go against the way election were set up by our founding fathers many who came from this state.

Last Name: Wilmoth Locality: Forest

Please vote AGAINST the National Popular vote. It takes away my Virginia voice and vote by allowing the elections to be won by the most populous states. Thank you.

Last Name: Davis Locality: Mathews County

Please vote AGAINST the National Popular vote. It takes away my Virginia voice and vote by allowing the elections to he won by the most populous states.

Last Name: Taylor Organization: People of Virginia Locality: Chesapeake

Commenting on HB965, National Popular Vote Compact. I strongly oppose this bill. If enacted, this bill would give away Virginia’s 13 electoral votes based on the “national” popular vote instead of to the candidate chosen by Virginia voters. Effectively, voters from the large cities would be able to definitively choose who is elected as President, totally ignoring the votes of the rural states. This would only further undermine the strength of our Constitutional Republic. I find it kind of ironic that Va Dems ran on their ridiculous “no kings” propaganda tour and yet with this bill (among other) they want to violate established election law to put whichever king or queen they want in power. Please vote NO for this bill.

Last Name: Dixon Locality: Middlesex

We the people of Virginia do not want to see HB965 pass. We Do Not want our electoral votes lumped together. The electoral college is to guarantee that everyones vote matters.

Last Name: Bellows Locality: Hanover

Last Name: Rossi Locality: Concord, VA

I am requesting that we leave well enough alone and not change anything related to our voting system. I believe that this change will be an unfair advantage to one party over the other. Our founding fathers figured this out many years ago. Thank you, Brian Rossi

Last Name: Harper Locality: Roanoke County

I do NOT support this bill. We should not relinquish our Electoral Votes for any reason.

Last Name: Smith Locality: Scott

I am against the state of Virginia going to popular vote. Electoral vote needs to stay. Our founding fathers were wise to recognize this.

Last Name: Jonathan Peters Locality: Bedford County Virginia

I do not support this bill which undermines my vote and democracy. Our electoral system was never intended to be a national popular vote. Doing so takes away the voice of those who do not reside in large cities. We are a democratic republic with an electoral college that is intended to fairly represent all citizens. I could not oppose this bill more.

Last Name: Carpenter Locality: Front Royal

I am disgusted by many of the Bills being proposed that do NOT represent the viewpoints of the majority of the Virginia's citizens. Doing away with participation in the Electoral College is yet one more move to disenfranchise the will of the majority of our citizens. The fact that you have moved so quickly to initiate several bills that are contrary to the views of the majority, speaks volumes. Virginia must remain a part of the national referendum on the Presidential Election. Your desire to move away from the way our votes are counted, indicates your desire to manipulate the peoples' will.

Last Name: Lyons Locality: Chesapeake

You are proposing this bill because you think that it will allow the Democrat party to cheat and always put someone from your party into the White House because you think that states like California and New York and here where you are rigging all the elections and districts to give your party power is gonna end up resulting in constantly Democrat presidents over and over and over again, but as you clearly saw in 2024, Trump won the popular vote so I would really urge you to think very carefully about how you would feel if you enacted this compact. I believe it is unconstitutional, But this compact if it had been in place would’ve resulted in Virginia being red California being Red, Illinois being red New York being Red, Connecticut being red Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Maryland!!! do you think you can stomach that? I am flatly 110% opposed to this crooked deceptive and unconstitutional attempt by your party the evil Democrat party to steal votes and to disenfranchise voters, which is something your party is always claiming to be against! But yet this bill seeks to railroad half of the population of this country in order to try to rig elections so that your party gets power, and it must be absolutely condemned and opposed at all steps in every way

HB967 - Voting Rights Act of Virginia; revises provisions.

Last Name: Brim Locality: Fairfax

Please vote NO on HB967. • The bill lowers minority language accessibility thresholds to 3% or 5,000, increasing costs and administrative burdens for localities. For localities with several minority language groups like Fairfax County, which already has to provide election materials in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean, this will possibly require the creation of duplicate ballots for each language group. Translation services are already available at all times in polling places for dozens of other languages, making this amendment unneeded, costly, and burdensome to voters and election officials alike with no benefit to either. • CHALLENGES TO LEGAL PRECEDENT: In a direct challenge to Petteway v. Galveston County, the proposed amendment 24.2-126.1(D) introduces the overriding category of “politically cohesive” combinations of protected classes, without defining how that “cohesive” condition is determined. • DON'T LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE PART 1:The proposed amendment 24.2-126.1(E) excludes any evidence that does not support the arguments of the plaintiffs, in an attempt to pre-determine any findings by a court: “Evidence concerning the cause of, or reason for, the occurrence of racially polarized voting is not relevant to the determination of whether it exists, and evidence that voting patterns and election outcomes could be explained by factors other than racially polarized voting shall not be considered.” • DON'T LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE PART 2:The proposed amendment 24.2-26.2, after listing a long list of possible factors affecting minority group voting, removes the need for evidence of any factors, in another attempt to pre-determine a court's decision: “No one factor is dispositive or necessary to establish that a violation of § 24.2-126 or 24.2-126.1 has occurred, nor shall any specified number or combination of factors be required to establish such a violation.” • DON'T LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE PART 3: In 24.2-126.2(B), again limiting what the court can consider, the court is instructed NOT to consider how many individuals are NOT affected by the violation; the availability of other ways to vote for all voters, including the minority groups; the prevalence of the practice in other states; and “the mere invocation of governmental interests in voter confidence or prevention of fraud.” Note that "mere" is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that section. • PLAINTIFF'S LAWYERS PAY-DAY: 24.2-128.C and 24.2-129.c expand standing to bring a civil action in circuit court to an arguably unlimited set of plaintiffs including "any individual aggrieved by a violation of this chapter, any organization whose membership includes members of a protected class or individuals aggrieved by a violation of this chapter, any organization whose mission would be frustrated by a violation of this chapter, or any organization that would expend resources in order to fulfill its mission as a result of a violation of this chapter" • REDISTRICTING INSTABILITY: Proposed amendment “24.2-130.B creates endless conflict and instability in redistricting potentially affecting the entire state: "In an action related to a districting or redistricting plan, any individual with standing to challenge any single district in such plan shall be deemed to have standing to challenge the districting or redistricting plan as a whole.” Vote NO on HB967.

Last Name: Clark Organization: NAACP Virginia State Conference Locality: Chesapeake

The Voting Rights Act of Virginia is a critical tool for protecting access to the ballot, and HB967 strengthens its ability to address modern forms of voter suppression and discrimination. Updating and clarifying these provisions helps ensure fair enforcement and meaningful protections for historically marginalized communities. The NAACP Virginia State Conference supports HB967 and urges the committee to advance this legislation.

Last Name: Porte Organization: League of Women Voters of Virginia Locality: Arlington

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

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

HB1150 - Impersonating any local, town, city, or county elected official; penalty.

Last Name: Miller Locality: Henrico

I support all legislation to remove big money from all election campaigns. I ask that you serve us, the people, not just those with wealth or corporate power. All the people.

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

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

HB1185 - Campaign finance; campaign depositories.

Last Name: Miller Locality: Henrico

I support all legislation to remove big money from all election campaigns. I ask that you serve us, the people, not just those with wealth or corporate power. All the people.

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

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

HB1496 - Campaign finance; reviews of campaign finance reports and records, report.

Last Name: Morgan Organization: BigMoneyOutVA Locality: Alexandria

My name is Nancy Morgan, coordinator of BigMoneyOutVA, an all-volunteer non-partisan group advocating for campaign finance reform. We support Del. Bulova's bill, HB1496, which simply enacts a technical fix to current oversight by the Dept of Election when it does it's mandatory reviews of campaigns. This allows more time for the candidates to file, leading to less pressure on the Dept to finalize reporting. This it likely a recommendation by the Dept of Elections due to considerable pressure to finalize reportings as show in the final report on "Campaign Finance Reports and Records Review", dated July 1, 2025.

Last Name: Miller Locality: Henrico

I support all legislation to remove big money from all election campaigns. I ask that you serve us, the people, not just those with wealth or corporate power. All the people.

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

Public Comments for 02/06/2026 Privileges and Elections

HB41 - Elections; procedures for removal of electoral board members and general registrars.

HB162 - Public campaign financing; counties and cities may establish for certain offices.

HB212 - Election offenses; intimidation and threats toward election officials, penalty.

HB234 - Elections; general provisions, electoral board members to wear identification, civil penalty.

HB639 - Elections; administration, acceptance of certain gifts and funding, approval required.

HB774 - Elections; absentee and provisional ballots, cure process.

HB835 - Elections; candidates and elected officials, address confidentiality.

HB868 - Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.

HB909 - Elections; certain conduct prohibited at polling places applicable to locations for absentee voting.

HB964 - Voter registration; restoration of political rights upon release from incarceration.

HB965 - National Popular Vote Compact; enters Virginia into an interstate compact.

HB967 - Voting Rights Act of Virginia; revises provisions.

HB1150 - Impersonating any local, town, city, or county elected official; penalty.

HB1185 - Campaign finance; campaign depositories.

HB1496 - Campaign finance; reviews of campaign finance reports and records, report.

SJ60 - Governor; confirming appointments.

SJ61 - Governor; confirming appointments.