I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

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.

I support this Bill.

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?

I support this bill. By combining Primaries, it would save money and would reduce strain on Registrar's Offices.

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.

The League supports HB82. As we all know, the US Postal Service is not as reliable as it was in the past, particularly for deliveries in the morning hours. Adjusting the deadline for the receipt of ballots arriving by mail from noon until 5:00 PM on the third day—usually a Friday—after an election, will help ensure that voters’ ballots will be counted as intended by law.

I support HB82 because extending the deadline for the receipt and cure of absentee ballots to 5 :00 p.m. on the third day after Election Day gives voters a fair, extended window to ensure their ballots are counted, especially when postal or delivery delays occur. This small changes makes sure voters aren’t inadvertently disenfranchised due to timing issues.

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

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.

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.

On behalf of Fair Elections Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending, expanding and facilitating voting rights, we write in support of the updates to Virginia’s list maintenance process reflected in HB 111, HB 966, and HB 972, which will better protect eligible voters. Specifically, based on our extensive experience with voter list maintenance practices, these bills will make it less likely that administrative mistakes, errors, or unreliable data prevent eligible people from voting. Please see the attachment for further detail.

As one of several bills that safeguard voters against improper cancellation of their registrations, HB111 should advance. Registrars have been under pressure from third parties to remove voters from the voter list based on unofficial, unverified information. By restricting the grounds for cancellation to a voter’s own request or official sources specified in the bill, HB111 relieves election officials from such pressures while it also protects valid voters from wrongful removal.

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

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.

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?

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?

If anything Voter Id and registration should be required. Despite the lie that illegals aren’t voting, we need to be more careful about who is voting, not just eliminate requirements to vote. What is wrong with you people who believe anyone is entitled to vote in American elections? They don’t pay taxes and they should not vote.

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

Anyone who cares about maintaining democracy in this country of For the People, By the People would be against eliminating voter registration and voter I.D. requirements to vote. We should be tightening voter requirements, what with the influx of illegal aliens into this country, NOT softening them.

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.

The League supports HB215 because the bill would strengthen and enhance the accuracy and security of Virginia’s voter data-sharing arrangements with other states. First, it would establish careful oversight of memorandums of understanding with our neighboring and other states. Second, it outlines the process for Virginia’s reentry into ERIC, which is the most comprehensive way to keep the voter list up to date while protecting eligible citizens’ information. We urge you to report the bill.

SUPPORT - I support improved governance standards which assist in strengthening our voting and election process. Clarifying who may enter Virginia into agreements and how those exchanges are governed lessens issues longer term. Thank you for bringing this bill.

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

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.

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

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.

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

I urge you to oppose Bill HB235 that allows for a pilot for establishing "Super precincts". Local precincts work very effectively - please don't try to fix something that isn't broken. Having local precincts also minimize the chances of a major election failure on election day that would cause a large number of votes to be in jeopardy, as could conceivably happen with a single point of failure at a super precinct. Local precincts are generally in locations that are close to a voter's home. In an era where we are attempting to make voting as easy as possible, changing to a super district is likely to require a voter to travel further to vote. Furthermore, local precincts are a key component of election integrity. With local precincts, election officials are more likely to be familiar with a community and recognize voters who appear year after year.

I oppose this bill.

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.

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.

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

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.

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?

I am writing to oppose HB493 that would add Internet voting for certain voters. Many Virgina counties moved to Direct Record Electronic voting machines after the 2000 election and the problems in Florida. Problems with DREs became apparent shortly after that switch. The DREs could not be audited or recounted because there was no record to be checked. Even though there was a law permitting recounts in close races that law was essentially a nullity. Security experts also reported that the DREs were subject to hacking. These were machines that were subject to election security protocols, but nevertheless there were significant risks. Because of the machines could not be audited there was no way to determine whether in fact hacking ever occurred on whether results were accurate. For these reasons, Virginia moved to precinct based optical scan machines. The paper ballot permits audits and recounts, which deter attempts to change votes. The internet is far less secure than the DREs machines ever were and therefore the risk of hacking and changed outcomes would be much higher. Rather than adopting a law that would effectively preclude recounts and raise significant security risks, the legislature should consider a study to determine the best way to assist blind voters in need of assistance. Military and overseas voters should make plans to vote by mail. Carol Doran Klein 1369 Kirby Road McLean, VA 22101

To: The Honorable Patrick Hope Re: Support Electronic Return of Absentee Ballots Dear Delegate Hope, I am writing to you in your capacity as Chair of the Voting Rights Subcommittee. I understand that HB493 on electronic return of absentee voter ballots is on the subcommittee’s agenda for Monday, February 9. I strongly urge you and all subcommittee members to support this bill. I am the CEO of Virginia Voice, a Radio Reading Service which has served over 13,000 Virginians with blindness and other disabilities for 48 years. Virginia Voice creates access to print material and the arts using a 24/7/365 radio broadcast of 80 weekly programs and Live Audio Description of the arts. All services are free of charge. HB493 would require the Department of Elections to make available to all localities a tool to allow a voter with a visual impairment or print disability to receive, mark, and return their absentee ballot electronically through a secure internet system. Current available assistive technologies do not guarantee privacy and independence in voting for this population and do not remove the barriers that compromise their privacy. This bill is essential to ensure that approximately 175,000 blind voting age voters can exercise their civil right to vote independently and privately. Passage of this bill would also benefit members serving in the military overseas and citizens working overseas. HB493 would apply only to a very specific population of voters to prevent vulnerability. Similar systems are available in other states, including West Virginia and North Carolina, and have been used without incident. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of your constituents who are blind or low vision. Respectfully, Yvonne Mastromano, CEO Virginia Voice, Inc.

I am writing to you to respectfully request that you support HB493. This bill is essential in keeping voting accessible and private for ALL citizens, especially those with print disabilities. While an accessible absentee voting portal exists in Virginia, voters must still print, sign, and mail their ballots. These are tasks that many cannot perform independently or privately. The current system does not account for those with disabilities, and does not keep voting accessible for all Virginians, which should be the goal. Being able to vote privately is a right, and an importance in maintaining independence. My mom has Usher Syndrome, which is a rare recessive genetic disorder causing her to progressively lose her vision. She has low vision right now, and is losing more every year. My mom is one of the strongest people that I know, and her independence is one of the things that I admire most about her. By giving your support to HB493, you would be allowing my mom and so many others just like her to retain their privacy and independence. Please support this bill.

I am writing to you to urge you to pass HB493 on electronic absentee ballot return. For several years now, Virginia residents who have requested to vote via Absentee Ballot have had the option to receive and fill in their ballots over the internet. This system is accessible, convenient, and fairly easy to use. However, current law forces voters to print their completed ballot, insert the ballot into the envelope provided, and mail or take the ballot to a polling place to have their vote counted. This return system makes it very difficult for people who are print disabled to vote privately and independently for several reasons. Many people no longer have printers to print their ballot and other necessary documentation. Another barrier is that the envelope provided for return of absentee ballots requires the voter to provide identifying information in an area under a flap. A voter who is blind or has low vision would find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to provide the required information independently. The alternative to trying to fill out the envelope is completing an affidavit provided by the locality's Board of Elections to be filled out on the computer, printed, and inserted in the envelope with the ballot. Ballots may be rejected and the envelope unopened because the identifying information is not on the outside of the envelope, or the Board of Elections staff has sent the affidavit as a locked .PDF file which cannot be completed independently. Another shortcoming of the current system is that not all localities have the funding to provide a completely accessible mechanism at all polling places for print disabled citizens to complete their ballot privately and independently. Vendors who provide electronic ballot services also provide safe, accessible, and convenient electronic return services. This is evidenced by the fact that 33 states already receive ballots electronically from military and overseas citizens. 13 of those states (including West Virginia and North Carolina) receive ballots electronically from absentee voters including those who have print disabilities along with the military and overseas citizens. And, despite several years of experience offering this system of electronic return, there have been no substantiated complaints of security breaches or fraud. Two major reasons people request absentee ballots are because they cannot successfully vote at their local polling place or because they do not have necessary transportation to get to their voting place, particularly for those in small towns and rural areas where transportation options are limited. We suggest that including electronic ballot return, along with the electronic distribution and completion of ballots, if publicized widely, would encourage more citizens to vote in future elections. We, therefore, urge you to support the passage of HB49

I moved to Northern Virginia in 1980 and have voted in every local state and federal election for which I Was eligible to vote. I have continued to vote, despite losing my eyesight due to Retinitis Pigmentosa an inherited eye disease. At one time, I saw enough to use the same voting machines as all other voters in my voting precinct. Beginning in my late 20s, as I gradually lost my eyesight, I was forced to have my spouse accompany me to assist me in casting my vote. Eventually technology was developed that allowed voters who vote in person to use an audio system, allowing voters such as myself to once again vote independently and privately. To be sure , the audio systems had some glitches, and I experienced a failure of the audio ballot equipment over 30 years ago and was forced to submit a provisional vote. Technology continued to be developed, tested and implemented and in person audio ballot systems have now been used successfully for many election cycles. Also, reliable technology was later developed and successfully deployed that now securely delivers an absentee ballot, electronically, to voters who meet specific qualifications. Today, passage of HB493 will take the next step and allow Virginia to join several other states by embracing proven technology that will allow qualified voters, including blind, low vision, deafblind and overseas and military voters to securely, privately, independently and verifiably return their absentee ballot electronically. To be sure, the security of all ballots, cast in person or electronically, is essential. However security concerns are not insurmountable concerns, as has been proven by the results in those states that have implemented secure electronic ballot return systems. Voting systems such as those required in HB493 are in place and working in several states and I urge members to take an historic step and pass HB493, .

The League of Women Voters opposes HB493 because electronic ballot return is dangerously insecure. This method has undeniable appeal, particularly for military and overseas voters and voters with print disabilities. This is why Virginia provides a tool to send them ballots electronically and provides 45 days of early voting, plus extra time after election day to return their ballots. There are 1.1 million active-duty military stationed within the United States. The Virginians among them would be eligible to cast their ballots electronically, even if they are here in the Commonwealth. No existing internet voting system is secure from attack. No personal device is secure from attack. In other online transactions, like banking, tracing is essential, and it is possible to recover from intrusion. Ballot secrecy and voter anonymity are the bedrock of our elections, so a ballot cannot be traced to the voter. Meanwhile, an intercepted or tampered ballot cannot be recovered. On a wide scale, the effect could be devastating.

As the Vice-President of the American Council of the Blind of Virginia, I strongly urge you to support HB493. While an accessible absentee voting portal currently exists, voters must still print, sign, and mail their ballots—tasks many cannot perform independently or privately. HB493 would require the Department of Elections to develop a secure, accessible electronic system allowing covered voters to receive, mark, and return absentee ballots online. This bill would benefit people who are blind or have low vision by eliminating the need to depend on others for functions that they may not be able to perform independently. In addition, in many largely rural areas of the state, there are few transportation options, making accessible absentee voting imperative. Thirteen states have already adopted secure electronic ballot return systems with no security issues having been reported. Virginia should do the same to protect every voter’s right to a private and independent ballot.

I support HB493. Despite protestations of potential fraud and lack of security, thirteen states have adopted some kind of electronic return, including West Virginia, and there seems to be no problem with their system of recording ballots. Military and overseas voters would not have to worry about the vagaries of the mail-in process, wondering whether their vote got to the registrar on time. As a blind person, electronic return would provide me with a direct, efficient way of voting. As of now, I must fill out my ballot on- line, print it, and find the correct line to sign my name, and mail the ballot . I would probably need some assistance, so my vote would not be private. I know that, according to some comments, people envisage some kind of voter scam, but it is always easy to be apprehensive when a new way of doing things is introduced. Please support this bill.

I am a blind Virginian, and I deserve the same right to vote privately and independently as every other Virginian. Virginia’s current system, which requires voters to return paper absentee ballots by mail, does not provide equal access for voters who are blind or print-disabled. Blind and print-disabled voters must rely on other people to complete critical steps in the voting process, depriving us of the privacy and independence guaranteed under federal law. The law is clear: • The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) guarantees voters with disabilities the right to mark, cast, and verify their ballots privately and independently.
 • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires equal access to the voting process.
 • The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) protects the rights of military and overseas voters and recognizes the unique barriers created by distance, mail delays, and unreliable delivery. The barriers created by paper ballots returned by mail are not theoretical. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Justice, voters with disabilities are five times as likely to require assistance or encounter problems compared to voters without disabilities. Before losing my sight, I served our country overseas for nearly two decades. I am intimately familiar with the realities of military and diplomatic mail systems. Delays, lost mail, and unreliable delivery are common. Electronic ballot return is neither new nor radical. It is already used successfully in more than a dozen states. Every voting system carries some risk; the appropriate response is to mitigate and manage those risks—not to deny entire groups of voters their civil rights. There are approximately 175,000 blind and low-vision voters in Virginia. There are more than 120,000 active-duty service members in the Commonwealth who may be deployed overseas at any time, and a large number of U.S. Foreign Service Officers also call Virginia home. Please vote to support the voting rights of ALL Virginians.
Please support HB493.

I am almost totallyu blind and I always voted in all elections. Please pass this legislation that will allow those who are blind or visually impaired to be an active part of this critical American process.

Testimony of Aquene Freechild Campaign Co-Director, Democracy Campaign, Public Citizen Madam Chair, Members of the Committee, Public Citizen works daily to ensure convenient and accessible voting for all - there are options worth exploring without internet voting. A few years ago, the state that includes Sydney, Australia had to re-run an election because their limited online voting system crashed. More than 30,000 people called the iVote helpline in desperation, many with no other option. All they got was a voicemail saying, "sorry for the inconvenience." An unknown number of people lost their right to vote in that election. The state re-ran 3 contests, but there were at least 19 in contests in question. There are MANY other ways an internet voting system can fail and deeply damage our democracy: - If I mark my e-ballot for Sen. Jones. The software at the county elections office can still record that I marked my ballot for Sen. Smith on their end, even print that I voted for Smith on a paper ballot once it arrives. - Currently Virginia voters can verify their own ballots as they mark them, or once they print out, and that voter reviewed record is there should there be any problems with voting machines or software. - Hackers ransomed 100+ county governments last year. - Employees make errors - If you can’t tell how many votes there should be, you can’t tell how many are missing. Or how many were added. - The loss of thousands of votes can go undetected. Again, votes through any error, glitch or hack could vanish or change undetected. - There is no meaningful recount of an election with internet voting, only a very expensive re-run of the whole thing In Australia, winning candidates were in tears in court because they couldn’t afford to run again. The state had to sue the candidates to force the new election. Ecuador had to re-run it’s federal legislative elections thanks to a similar problem in 2023. Imagine in this moment in the United States of consolidating authoritarianism, introducing this kind of wild card. Our democracy, survived a nearly successful coup attempt on January 6th based on lies about an election WITH paper ballots recounted by bipartisan teams and lots of observers. What would happen here if there were no ballots of record to recount? What record is there of elections being re-run at all in the United States? Who runs our government while this gets litigated? The Australian internet voting system was shut down. Let’s not repeat their mistake. Thank you.

Please see attached written testimony.

I urge you to reject HB 493 which would introduce Internet voting to Virginia for the first time. Although, returning cast ballots electronically may sound innocuous, it would expose our elections to serious risks of fraud that are nearly impossible to detect or remedy. The vast majority of computer scientists and technical experts tell us that it is not possible to conduct a secure verifiable election via today’s Internet, despite sweeping assurances made by vendors and advocates. At first glance, it may seem alarmist to warn of unsolvable security threats given the amount of electronic on-line commerce and banking conducted daily. But recognize that we accept the loss of billions each year to financial fraud, identity theft and other cyber crimes as the cost of that convenience. By contrast, how much election fraud can we tolerate? Securing electronic elections is MUCH more difficult than electronic banking, In a financial system, customers can get receipts and statements tied to their identity. Administrators can view customer transaction details and change data to correct errors, even after the workday ends. Transactions are logged and inspected by auditors looking for fraud. None of these safeguards are available in an election. Voters cannot be able to prove how they voted to prevent selling votes, there can be no receipts or useful security logs including voter identity. There can be no administrators that can correct a problem after the fact. Votes must be both verified and prevented from modification, yet be transparent to recounts and audits. These restrictions make conducting a secure on-line election near impossible. The DoD (now DoW) spent millions of dollars over years attempting to find secure voting solutions and failed. Vendors and advocates tell people what they want to hear, quick to claim they have (or will have) easy solutions that never stand up to real scrutiny. Be skeptical. Despite good intentions, this bill is risking the bedrock of our democracy to solve a problem that already has reasonable solutions. Current law already allows disabled voters to use on-line systems to assist them marking a ballot. Current law already allows military and overseas voters to request and receive blank ballots electronically with plenty of time (45 days) to return them before Election Day. These actions can be done relatively safely on-line because they don’t require keeping the voter identity secrecy, unlike a cast ballot. The only convenience that this bill would add is the ability to avoid returning the cast ballot by mail. By keeping that final step off line, current law prevents many kinds of attacks on our elections and enables transparency and oversight. In recent years, we have seen incredible pressure placed on our election systems and personnel, and rising distrust in election results. Our elections are an extremely high value target of interest to motivated and capable state funded actors seeking to disrupt our democracy. Keeping our elections off-line is essential to keeping them safe. Making ballot access easier is a noble goal, but should not come at the expense of the integrity of our elections. Beware of unintended consequences. I strongly urge you to reject HB 493 and any moves toward Internet voting.

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

I am writing to comment on HB493. I am opposed to ballots being received, marked and cast electronically through the internet. I don't believe that this method is secure partly due to the increasing number of online scams that are confusing to people and deceive many. I think there is too much at stake to use this method currently. I believe that votes, cast this way, could be easily invalidated for frivolous reasons. The internet is now under much surveillance and manipulated by hackers. I want to know that everyone's votes will be cast in a way that will be securely validated in our local, state and national elections by all candidates, not only at the end of the election day but also during close election recounts that are certain to occur. Please do not approve this bill.

I am writing to you on behalf of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law to oppose House Bill 493, which would expand existing Virginia law to allow the electronic return of marked ballots via the Internet. The Brennan Center is a national nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve our systems of democracy and justice. The Brennan Center has a long history of partnering with election administrators, legislators, and other elected officials at the local, state, and federal level to reform and improve our elections and election administration. Every independent review has found that we currently lack the technology to make electronic ballot return secure from attack. In 2020 and again in 2024, four federal executive branch agencies --the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (part of the Department of Homeland Security or DHS), the Election Assistance Commission, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-- jointly released a report concluding that internet-based return of votes presents a “high risk” to United States elections and cannot be secured. It noted that, with internet-based ballot return, hackers from anywhere in the world could engage in large-scale, high-volume tampering with ballots that could impact results and possibly the outcome of an election. Two of these agencies have opined repeatedly on the issue over the years. In 2022, NIST issued the report Promoting Access to Voting: Recommendations for Addressing Barriers to Private and Independent Voting for People with Disabilities and notably did not include internet-based ballot return among its recommendations because, as it concluded, “there remain significant security, privacy, and ballot secrecy challenges.” These agencies are not the only independent experts to opine on the issue. The Department of Defense has stated it “does not advocate for the electronic transmission of any voted ballot, whether it be by fax, email or via the Internet.” The United States Select Senate Committee on Intelligence concluded in a 2020 report that “States should resist pushes for online voting,” because “no system of online voting has yet established itself as secure.” And a Working Group from the Center for Security in Politics at the University of California, Berkeley formed to determine “the feasibility of technical and implementation standards that would enable safe and secure digital remote ballot marking and return of these ballots” instead concluded “the current cybersecurity environment and state of technology makes it infeasible for the Working Group to draft responsible standards to support the use of internet ballot return in U.S. public elections at this time.” For at least a decade, our foreign adversaries—including Russia, China, and Iran—have launched cyberattacks targeting the United States’ digital election infrastructure. They have done so in the 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 federal elections, with the goal of undermining confidence in our elections. At the same time, federal agencies have cut back on cyber and other election security support for local election offices. Additionally, there is an active movement within the U.S. to undermine confidence in our elections. Within this context, it is unwise for Virginia to adopt the use of electronic ballot return. PLEASE READ ENTIRE LETTER ATTACHED OPPOSING HB493. - Lawrence Norden, VP, Elections & Government

Written Testimony in Opposition to HB493 Chair Cole and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony on HB493. We recognize and agree with the intent of HB493 but cannot support the approach and method that HB493 would provide. I serve as the Senior Advisor on Election Security for Free Speech For People, a national, non-profit non-partisan legal advocacy organization dedicated to defending our democracy and our Constitution. As part of our mission, we are committed to promoting, through legal actions and advocacy, secure, transparent, trustworthy, and accessible voting policies for all voters. We work directly to improve access to the ballot for all voters. For example, we launched a legal challenge to voter registration restrictions in Arizona, resulting in tens of thousands of additional voters being able to register to vote. But we also work to ensure that all voting methods will reliably, accessibly and securely record all votes as intended, and count all votes as cast. There’s no question that voters with print disabilities face unique challenges in returning an absentee ballot and that there should be exploration to address those challenges. But we vigorously oppose the electronic return of voted ballots because ballots transmitted electronically, by email, fax and online ballot portal, are all at high risk for privacy risks, manipulation, and fraud. At a time when election confidence is under attack, employing dangerously insecure electronic ballot return will degrade not just the security of Virginia’s elections, but also confidence in elections and trust in government. FULL WRITTEN TESTIMONY AVAILABLE IN ATTACHED WRITTEN TESTIMONY STATEMENT

OPPOSED - HB493 - FULL STATEMENT ATTACHED I am writing to you on behalf of Common Cause. Common Cause’s mission is to uphold the core values of American democracy by creating an open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest, promotes equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all, and empowers people to make their voices heard in the political process. We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization with approximately 20,678 members in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We respectfully requested that you read our entire letter in opposition to HB493 which contains linked cited sources. Sincerely, Susannah Goodman Policy Director, Voting and Fair Representation Common Cause

NO on HB 493 Internet or Online Voting cannot assure voting safety. Only those who would desire and benefit from lesser means of voting security would vote for this. Think before you vote the appearance of voting for LESS voting security.

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.

I request that you vote AGAINST HB493. This is only one of several bills that will reduce verification of overseas civilian voters. HB493 (https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB493) , allows UOCAVA voters to vote electronically. (Note in HB493,  see lines 44-45 in the pdf: "When this statement has been properly completed and signed by the registered voter, his ballot shall not be subject to challenge pursuant to § 24.2-651."). This will reduce security of the ballot. The risk of HB493 is augmented by HB640, under which challenges are now required to be filed in the Court and not with the Registrar. Under the proposed HB640 (https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB640 ), overseas civilians' registrations will not be susceptible to challenges.  The risk of HB493 is augmented under HB111 (see pdf lines 62-70 https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1082433.PDF), which states the registrar can't cancel a UOCAVA voter's registration if that voter shows up in another state under the Driver License Compact, further augmenting the risks of HB493. Furthermore, HB213 further augments the risks of HB493. By repealing 24.2-453, HB213 will remove a crucial qualifier for overseas civilian voters. Virginia already does NOT require prior residence in the state. Without the requirement for an affirmation that the overseas voter resides there for employment or as a dependent of someone who is there for employment, anyone can vote as an overseas civilian with no proof of prior residence or any excuse for overseas residence. In conclusion, please vote NO on HB493.

HB493 endangers election integrity by mandating the Department of Elections to implement a system for certain qualified absentee voters (e.g., those with disabilities) to receive, mark, and cast ballots electronically via the internet—exposing the process to hacking, cyber threats, malware, or foreign interference without foolproof safeguards like verifiable paper trails. This online voting expansion risks undetectable fraud, errors in transmission, or voter coercion in unmonitored settings, complicating audits and eroding public confidence in secure, transparent elections. Traditional absentee methods with physical ballots better protect against manipulation; prioritizing digital access over robust security invites abuse in critical races.

The League of Women Voters of Virginia respectfully submits statements with respect to four of the bills before the Voting Rights Subcommittee of the House Privileges and Elections Committee. The bills are: HB 493 - Oppose HB 640 - Support HB 1014 - Support HB 1244 - Support The full statements are found in the attachment.

Electronic ballot return (including mobile, email, fax, or website portal) fails to confer trust that each vote is counted as cast. The security risks associated with electronic ballot return are severe, well-documented, and broadly acknowledged by the federal government’s top security agencies and the nation’s leading cybersecurity experts. At present, no known technology can secure ballots returned over the internet.

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?

I SUPPORT HB 505 bill. Elected officials should not be able to be employed by the same locality which they oversee. The potential for self dealing and conflict of interest is far to high. We don't allow it for school board members, why do we allow it for elected officials?

As a life long Virginia resident, small business owner and purcellville citizen. I support this completely

Nobody should be their bosses bos As we saw in Purcellville it created a major conflict of interest. This bill is common sense

I support HB505. No one should be their boss' boss.

As a resident of Purcellville, VA, I fully support HB505. The past 14 months of actions by the Purcellville town council largely stem from issues arising from conflict of interests due to the Vice Mayor’s former employment with the town, and the now suspended town manager’s former term as mayor. Due to these conflicts, we have a police department that has lost highly qualified employees, remains without a permanently appointed chef of police, and our town faces multiple lawsuits with potential liability into the tens of millions with potentially more lawsuits pending. Prohibiting elected officers from also being employed by the body which they oversee is common sense legislation and ensures that no elected officer is able to self deal or otherwise influence legislation to their own benefit.

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

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.

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?

Dear Member of the General Assembly, Please amend H.B. 630 so that “ranked choice voting” is not limited to Instant Runoff Voting (IRV). Ranked ballots give voters more voice, but the tabulation rule matters. Virginia can future-proof election reform by authorizing ranked ballots while allowing more than one transparent, auditable way to count them—including Consensus Choice, a head-to-head (pairwise) method (details in the attached materials). Election rules matter. Consensus Choice keeps the voter experience Virginians associate with ranked ballots—voters rank candidates—but counts those rankings through a simple set of head-to-head matchups rather than eliminating candidates in rounds like IRV. This is not academic: it affects whether voters’ expressed preferences are treated equally, whether outcomes match the electorate’s will in direct comparisons, and whether results are easy to verify. Why this change matters: Equal say for every voter. In Consensus Choice, each voter’s preference between any two candidates counts equally in that matchup (“preferential equality”). IRV can fail this because the elimination order can prevent some ranked preferences from counting in decisive comparisons, and ballots can stop affecting the outcome due to exhaustion or elimination sequence. Avoiding outcomes that contradict head-to-head majorities. IRV can elect a candidate who would lose a direct, head-to-head comparison to another candidate—despite voters providing that preference information on their ballots. A clear illustration is Alaska’s 2022 special election: ranked ballots showed voters preferred Nick Begich over Mary Peltola head-to-head (52%–48%), but IRV eliminated Begich and produced a different result. This kind of mismatch can undermine public confidence in “ranked choice” when the real problem is an IRV-only definition. More transparent, auditable results. Consensus Choice produces familiar election-night outputs—candidate-vs-candidate margins—published as a pairwise table that can be checked from precinct totals. There’s no elimination sequence to re-run and far less confusion about which ballots counted in which round. Fewer spoiler dynamics. Head-to-head counting rewards broad support and reduces pressure to vote “lesser-of-two-evils,” while still letting voters rank sincerely. Request for legislative language: Define ranked choice voting by the ranked ballot, not a single counting algorithm. Explicitly authorize Consensus Choice (head-to-head/pairwise tabulation) as an option alongside any other permitted methods. I would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss draft language and implementation details. Respectfully, Carah Ong Whaley, PhD Executive Director, Better Choices for Democracy

Please expand ranked choice voting to primary elections. Primaries are the most likely to have multiple candidates and benefit from this process. This bill is a good step. Thank you.

I strongly encourage you to support legislation that expands local control and modernizes our election systems by giving communities greater flexibility to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) in their local elections. HB630 (Callsen) thoughtfully amends the current local option statute to ensure that *any* local governing body—not just a narrow subset—has the authority to consider and implement ranked choice voting if it determines that RCV would better serve its voters. Importantly, the bill also codifies proven best practices for election administration, helping ensure that any adoption of RCV is clear, transparent, and well-run for voters, election officials, and candidates alike. This legislation builds directly on the demonstrated success of ranked choice voting in Arlington and Charlottesville, where RCV has been implemented responsibly and has given voters more meaningful choices while maintaining confidence in election outcomes. By learning from these real-world examples, HB630 creates a practical and cautious pathway for other localities to explore RCV in a manner that reflects their unique needs, capacities, and community preferences. At its core, HB630 respects local decision-making, supports election integrity, and encourages innovation grounded in experience rather than mandates. For these reasons, I urge you to vote in favor of HB630 and empower local governments to choose the election methods that best serve their residents.

Please accept the attached written testimony on behalf of the R Street Institute in support of HB 630.

I support HB 630 and urge the Elections Administration Committee to do the same. The bill expands the option to use ranked choice voting from only elections for county board of supervisors and city councils to any local governing body. The bill requires the State Board of Elections to provide standards and to approve vote tabulating software for use with existing voting systems in elections conducted by ranked choice voting. I believe both of these provisions and Rank Choice Voting in general encourages more citizens to run from local public office and gives voters the ability to prioritize their preferences of the candidates who are on the ballot.

I urge you to support legislation that allows localities greater flexibility in adopting ranked choice voting for their local elections, while not requiring a specific approach. HB630 (Callsen) amends the existing local option to include any local governing body and codifies best practices in election implementation. It builds on the successful use of Ranked Choice Voting in places like Arlington and Charlottesville. It will enable other localities to use RCV in a way that makes sense for them, if at all. While I understand concerns with RCV, examples in the United States and around the world have shown it can be implemented well such that voters understand it and appreciate the ability to cast their vote for multiple candidates. HB630 will give local governing bodies the chance to make this choice and be accountable to their communities. Thank you!

Chair Glass and members, Privileges and Elections - Election Administration Subcommittee I urge you to support HB630, Elections; ranked choice voting; locally elected offices, report. Ranked choice voting is a key component of building a robust, democratic election process -- and this bill will expand options for local governments to contribute positively to breaking down the ultra-partisan politics that is poisoning our country. We the people deserve to be represented through free and fair elections that encourage coalition-building and compromise. Ranked choice voting is our best chance at rebuilding civil discourse and representative governments at all levels. What better place to start than local governments? Thank you for your careful consideration of HB630. Please vote to move this forward to the full committee.

I urge you to support legislation that allows localities greater flexibility in adopting ranked choice voting for their local elections. HB630 (Callsen) amends the existing local option to include any local governing body and codifies best practices in election implementation. It builds on the successful use of RCV in Arlington and Charlottesville to pave the way for other localities to use RCV in a way that makes sense for them.

The League of Women Voters of Virginia strongly supports HB630, which would allow all jurisdictions, including towns, cities, and counties, to use ranked choice voting (RCV) in elections for local governing bodies. HB630 would remove the “sunset” deadline of 2031, thus allowing the use of RCV as a permanent option for those elections. Furthermore, this bill would direct the State Board of Elections to establish standards and procedures for tabulating software and equipment, and establish procedures for counting damaged ballots and requesting risk-limiting audits, as well as directing ELECT to produce and provide educational materials to voters. These technical recommendations are in response to the State Board of Elections 2023 report on RCV. The League believes that RCV leads to fairer elections. RCV elections often attract candidates from diverse backgrounds. RCV encourages more positive campaigning since candidates must reach out and appeal to a broad group of voters, rather than limiting their outreach to a small corps of supporters . RCV allows the voters to fully express their support for the candidates who best represent the voters’ views and beliefs, without having to worry about “wasting” their vote. Ranked Choice Voting is one way to strengthen our democracy. The League of Women Voters of Virginia supports HB630 and respectfully requests the Elections Administration Subcommittee to report it to the full House Privileges and Elections Committee.

I am a constituent and representative of two election reform nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations: Veterans for all Voters and UpVote Virginia. I urge you to support legislation that allows localities greater flexibility in adopting ranked choice voting (RCV) for their local elections. HB630 (Callsen) amends the existing local option to include any local governing body and codifies best practices in election implementation. It builds on the successful use of RCV in Arlington and Charlottesville to pave the way for other localities to use RCV in a way that makes sense for them. Both of the election reform organizations I represent endorse RCV as a reform that will improve accountability and competition for all constituents. Further, exit polling following RCV elections consistently shows that voters find it easy to use and want to keep it. Thank you for considering this request, and for your hard work for all Virginians. Adam King

Please support this legislation to expand the use of Ranked Choice Voting to any local governing body, making it more flexible and useful. The bill also removes the cutoff, making the option permanent, so that if a jurisdiction finds RCV appropriate, the option to use it won't expire.

Ranked Choice Voting has been used successfully in 5 elections in Arlington since 2023. We will be using it again in June 2026 and possibly in November 2026 as well. Ranked Choice voting is a great win for voters - we can vote for the candidates that we prefer without worrying about "wasting" our vote. Candidates must reach out to a broad spectrum of voters rather than focussing only on their core supporters. Campaigning is more positive which makes the election experience so much better for everyone! HB630 will allow us to continue using RCV permanently by eliminating the sunset deadline of 2031. This bill will also allow towns to use RCV for their town council elections. Please vote YES on HB630 and report it to the full P&E Committee and then to the full House for a vote.

I support ranked choice voting. Too often, people’s votes are made meaningless by the process of getting to a binary choice through party politics or, worse yet, spoilers. I remember a three-way race for Clerk of Court for Prince William County that divided voters in a way that led the least qualified candidate to win. Let’s make it possible to avoid that kind of outcome in the future.

I support HB630 to expand the use of Ranked Choice Voting in Virginia because it gives voters more voice while rewarding candidates who appeal to a broader range of people, not just a narrow base. Evidence from places that use RCV shows it tends to advantage more pragmatic, consensus-building candidates — helping reduce polarization and extremism in our politics. At the same time, RCV increases voter choice, discourages negative campaigning, reduces “spoiler” dynamics that can distort outcomes and has shown to increase voter turnout. Expanding RCV is a beneficial improvement for voters.

Please support legislation that allows localities greater flexibility in adopting RCV for their local elections. Thank You

I urge you to support legislation that allows localities greater flexibility in adopting ranked choice voting for their local elections. HB630 (Callsen) amends the existing local option to include any local governing body and codifies best practices in election implementation. It builds on the successful use of RCV in Arlington and Charlottesville to pave the way for other localities to use RCV in a way that makes sense for them.

Please support Rank Choice Voting (RCV) Bill (HB 630). Thank you. Why it matters for Virginia: ✅ Reduces negative campaigning ✅ Encourages more diverse and representative candidates ✅ Prevents vote splitting and spoiler effects ✅ Makes elections fairer and more reflective of voter preferences

Please support Rank Choice Voting (RCV) Bill (HB 630). Thank you. Right now, in most Virginia elections, voters choose just one candidate. In races with 3+ candidates, that can lead to winners being elected with far less than a majority of the vote — sometimes less than 30%! Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) changes that. Here’s how it works: Instead of picking just one candidate, you rank the candidates you like in order of preference — 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and so on. If no one gets a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Those votes go to the next choice on each ballot. This process continues until someone wins with majority support. Why it matters for Virginia: ✅ Reduces negative campaigning ✅ Encourages more diverse and representative candidates ✅ Prevents vote splitting and spoiler effects ✅ Makes elections fairer and more reflective of voter preferences

I am writing to urge you to proudly support legislation to allow localities much more flexibility in adopting ranked choice voting for their local elections. HB630 (Callsen) amends the existing local option to include any local governing body, and codifies best practices in election implementation. Arlington and Charlottesville have showed us with their successful use of ranked choice voting that we should build on those successes, and pave the way for other localities to use RCV in any ways they can determine that makes sense for them.

I support ranked choice voting in Virginia. Studies have shown that it improves voter turnout. (link to study attached). Candidates are more moderate in their views, as they have to appeal to as a second choice to voters. It removes the "spoiler" candidate, where often a third candidate draws off enough votes from the likely winner, and hands the election to the less popular second place candidate. It provides a better voice to Virginia voters. Local governments should be allowed to choose to use Ranked Choice Voting.

I ask you to support this legislation that allows localities greater flexibility in adopting ranked choice voting (RVC) for their local elections. HB630 (Callsen) amends the existing local voting options to include any local governing body and codifies best practices in election implementation. It builds on the popular and successful use of RCV in Arlington and Charlottesville to allow other localities to use RCV if so requested by their constituents.

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

I request your support for legislation that allows localities greater flexibility in adopting ranked choice voting for their local elections. HB630 (Callsen) amends the existing local option to include any local governing body and codifies best practices in election implementation. It builds on the successful use of RCV in Arlington and Charlottesville to pave the way for other localities to use RCV in a way that makes sense for them.

I urge you to support legislation that allows localities greater flexibility in adopting ranked choice voting for their local elections. HB630 (Callsen) amends the existing local option to include any local governing body and codifies best practices in election implementation. It builds on the successful use of RCV in Arlington and Charlottesville to pave the way for other localities to use RCV in a way that makes sense for them.

I am a US Army veteran and retired Federal employee with almost 30 years of service to our country. As my retirement was somewhat unexpected, I have transitioned from being politically invested at the state and national level to politically engaged in as many levels as I can touch. As an engaged voter of Fairfax County, I appreciate the opportunity to rank my preferred candidates for local races. We know raked choice voting improves turnout. It is constructive that blocs of voters with different perspectives — such as homeowners and renters — are able to secure their individual voices locally. The Board of Supervisors, for example, is more likely to hear and respond to the needs of a wider range of its constituents. Please make rank-choice-voting a permanent option for local elections in Virginia. I hope we can bring this practice—which motivates voters to get more informed about candidates and rewards candidates to find common ground with rivals—to state-wide and federal races soon, too. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion in this forum.

I urge you to support legislation that allows localities greater flexibility in adopting ranked choice voting for their local elections. HB630 (Callsen) amends the existing local option to include any local governing body and codifies best practices in election implementation. It builds on the successful use of RCV in Arlington and Charlottesville to pave the way for other localities to use RCV in a way that makes sense for them. We need RCV in all elections for local,.state,.and federal office, but this bill is a positive, incremental step in the right direction.

Please support legislation that allows localities greater flexibility in adopting ranked choice voting for their local elections. HB630 (Callsen) amends the existing local option to include any LOCAL governing body. It codifies best practices in election implementation, and builds on the successful use of this kind of voting in Arlington and Charlottesville, to pave the way for other localities to use RCV in a way that makes sense for them. Thank you.

I urge you to support legislation that allows localities greater flexibility in adopting ranked choice voting for their local elections. HB630 (Callsen) amends the existing local option to include any local governing body and codifies best practices in election implementation. It builds on the successful use of RCV in Arlington and Charlottesville to pave the way for other localities to use RCV in a way that makes sense for them.

As an engaged voter of Arlington County, I appreciate the opportunity to rank my preferred candidates for County Board. It is constructive that blocs of voters with different perspectives — such as homeowners and renters — are able to secure a voice on the County Board. The Board is more likely to hear and respond to the needs of a wider range of its constituents. Please make rank-choice-voting a permanent option for local elections in Virginia. I hope we can bring this practice—which motivates voters to get more informed about candidates and rewards candidates to find common ground with rivals—to federal races soon, too.

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.

On behalf of Fair Elections Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending, expanding and facilitating voting rights, we write in support of the updates to Virginia’s list maintenance process reflected in HB 111, HB 966, and HB 972, which will better protect eligible voters. Specifically, based on our extensive experience with voter list maintenance practices, these bills will make it less likely that administrative mistakes, errors, or unreliable data prevent eligible people from voting. Please see the attachment for further detail.

HB966 is simple but essential to keep actual US citizens from being disenfranchised. According to the Department of Elections, since 2014 Virginia has had a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to use its SAVE Program for determining immigrants’ citizenship status. Yet we did not begin to utilize the program until 2022. SAVE is one tool that no one should rely upon as the sole basis to cancel a voter’s registration. SAVE’s data are inconsistent across multiple, conflicting federal databases, including the Social Security Administration’s death record, which its administrator acknowledged as flawed. There is no methodology to resolve the conflicts. This bill properly restricts the use of the SAVE system and we urge you to report.

I write in strong support of HB 966 because it strikes the right balance between using a federal tool to improve the accuracy of Virginia’s voter rolls while keeping Virginia firmly in control of its own data and election system. HB 966 appropriately allows the Department of Elections to use the SAVE system as one input in voter list maintenance—much like other verification tools—rather than treating it as a master gatekeeper over Virginia elections. This helps ensure accuracy without over-relying on a single federal database that was not designed to run state elections. I also support the bill’s prohibition on bulk data uploads. Sending Virginia’s entire voter file to a federal system would unnecessarily expose sensitive personal information and create avoidable cybersecurity and privacy risks. HB 966 instead requires that any SAVE checks be targeted, minimal, and controlled by Virginia officials—an approach that better safeguards our data against misuse, breaches, or mission creep. Virginia already maintains accurate voter rolls through multiple, well-established processes. HB 966 simply adds SAVE as a supplemental check, not a replacement for Virginia’s own procedures, while preventing large-scale data transfers that could compromise voter privacy. In short, HB 966 strengthens public confidence by pairing responsible use of a federal tool with strong state control of Virginia’s election data. For these reasons, I urge you to pass HB 966. Thank you.

I write in strong support of HB 966 because it strikes the right balance between using a federal tool to improve the accuracy of Virginia’s voter rolls while keeping Virginia firmly in control of its own data and election system. HB 966 appropriately allows the Department of Elections to use the SAVE system as one input in voter list maintenance—much like other verification tools—rather than treating it as a master gatekeeper over Virginia elections. This helps ensure accuracy without over-relying on a single federal database that was not designed to run state elections. I also support the bill’s prohibition on bulk data uploads. Sending Virginia’s entire voter file to a federal system would unnecessarily expose sensitive personal information and create avoidable cybersecurity and privacy risks. HB 966 instead requires that any SAVE checks be targeted, minimal, and controlled by Virginia officials—an approach that better safeguards our data against misuse, breaches, or mission creep. Virginia already maintains accurate voter rolls through multiple, well-established processes. HB 966 simply adds SAVE as a supplemental check, not a replacement for Virginia’s own procedures, while preventing large-scale data transfers that could compromise voter privacy. In short, HB 966 strengthens public confidence by pairing responsible use of a federal tool with strong state control of Virginia’s election data. For these reasons, I urge you to pass HB 966. Thank you.

I write in strong support of HB 966 because it strikes the right balance between using a federal tool to improve the accuracy of Virginia’s voter rolls while keeping Virginia firmly in control of its own data and election system. HB 966 appropriately allows the Department of Elections to use the SAVE system as one input in voter list maintenance—much like other verification tools—rather than treating it as a master gatekeeper over Virginia elections. This helps ensure accuracy without over-relying on a single federal database that was not designed to run state elections. I also support the bill’s prohibition on bulk data uploads. Sending Virginia’s entire voter file to a federal system would unnecessarily expose sensitive personal information and create avoidable cybersecurity and privacy risks. HB 966 instead requires that any SAVE checks be targeted, minimal, and controlled by Virginia officials—an approach that better safeguards our data against misuse, breaches, or mission creep. Virginia already maintains accurate voter rolls through multiple, well-established processes. HB 966 simply adds SAVE as a supplemental check, not a replacement for Virginia’s own procedures, while preventing large-scale data transfers that could compromise voter privacy. In short, HB 966 strengthens public confidence by pairing responsible use of a federal tool with strong state control of Virginia’s election data. For these reasons, I urge you to pass HB 966.

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

Dear Members of the Virginia Legislative Committee, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 966, a bill concerning the duties of the Department of Elections and the use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program. As a concerned citizen and an electoral board member, election integrity is of paramount importance to my husband and me. We expect our legislators to prioritize fair elections and to support policies that strengthen, rather than hinder, this fundamental democratic process. HB 966 imposes significant limitations on the Department of Elections (ELECT) by restricting the full use of the SAVE Program’s capabilities. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of SAVE for verifying the citizenship status of new voter registrants, limiting its application to voter list maintenance only. This restriction undermines our ability to ensure that only eligible citizens are registered to vote, a critical component of maintaining election integrity. As an electoral board member, I am deeply concerned that this limitation will compromise the accuracy of our voter lists from the outset, creating potential vulnerabilities in our electoral system. Additionally, HB 966 prohibits bulk uploads of data to the SAVE Program, forcing General Registrars to process verifications individually. This cumbersome and inefficient method places an unnecessary burden on our registrars and their staff, who are already tasked with managing complex voter rolls under tight deadlines. I have witnessed firsthand the dedication of our registrars, and I firmly believe they deserve access to the most efficient tools available. The full capability of SAVE, including bulk uploads, would enable us to maintain the most accurate voter list files possible without imposing undue strain on our local election offices. The impact of HB 966 is personal to me and my community. As someone directly involved in the electoral process, I strive to ensure that every election is conducted with the highest standards of fairness and accuracy. This bill hampers my ability to fulfill that responsibility and disregards the voices of citizens like my husband and me, who value robust measures to protect our elections. We urge you to consider the practical challenges this legislation creates for those of us working to uphold the integrity of Virginia’s voting system. In conclusion, I respectfully oppose HB 966 due to its detrimental restrictions on the SAVE Program and the burdens it places on our election officials. Election integrity is a cornerstone of our democracy, and I believe this bill undermines that foundation. Thank you for considering my perspective as you deliberate on this critical matter. Sincerely, Dr. Deborah Wahlstrom

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.

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?

On behalf of Fair Elections Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending, expanding and facilitating voting rights, we write in support of the updates to Virginia’s list maintenance process reflected in HB 111, HB 966, and HB 972, which will better protect eligible voters. Specifically, based on our extensive experience with voter list maintenance practices, these bills will make it less likely that administrative mistakes, errors, or unreliable data prevent eligible people from voting. Please see the attachment for further detail.

The League supports HB972, which is one of a constellation of bills designed to improve the accuracy of Virginia’s voter registration list. Along with numerous technical amendments, this bill would establish guardrails in terms of comprehensive list matching and cancellation records. The guardrails would protect qualified citizens from being stripped of their voting rights, while preventing confusion and errors in the list. The bill constrains use of the federal government’s deeply flawed and insecure SAVE Program, preventing bulk upload and denying reliance solely on a SAVE record that an individual is not a citizen, which could be wrong. A supporting DMV record within the past month is a basis for cancellation. The bill also codifies existing procedures to ensure the cybersecurity of Virginia’s voter registration system at the state and local level. Omitted from the bill are much-needed precautionary measures. For example, it does not prevent voter purges during the 90 days before state elections, which are required in federal elections, nor does it allow voters sufficient time to respond to notices of cancellation. However, other bills, mainly HB966 and HB215, include those provisions, so these bills complement one another. We ask that you report all three of them.

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

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.

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?

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

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.

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?

I oppose this bill. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. How disrespectful Mrs. Louise Lucas cussing out others who disagree. She allowed destruction, looting, vandalism, and violence to happen. Today’s Democrats have lost their way especially during Biden’s tyrannical presidency.

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.

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?