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?

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 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 strongly support this bill.

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?

I am against this bill

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 request that you vote AGAINST HB213 (A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 24.2-612 and 24.2-646.1 of the Code of Virginia and to repeal § 24.2-453 of the Code of Virginia, relating to elections; Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act; restrictions on ballot eligibility; repeal.). By repealing 24.2-453, the legislature 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. This is only one of several bills that will reduce verification of overseas civilian voters. Add in HB493 (https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB493) , which 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.") Since 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.  And under HB111 (see pdf lines 62-70 https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1082433.PDF), the registrar can't cancel a UOCAVA voter's registration if that voter shows up in another state under the Driver License Compact. In conclusion, please vote NO on HB213.

HB213 undermines election integrity by eliminating key eligibility restrictions for overseas voters who have relinquished their Virginia residency. Without requiring proof of employment overseas or dependent status, it allows individuals lacking genuine ties to the state to influence local and state elections, enabling fraud and diluting the votes of actual Virginia residents

There should not be any restrictions on military to exercise their right to vote as they are the ones who defend our rights. There is a fundamental right to life. See TCCAA cover story May-June 2022 regarding murder charge in case of death of 5 week old fetus, and 1970 Keeler vs Superior Court. The law never meant for marriage to be for same sex. It had always been meant for opposite sex.

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.

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 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.

Vote NO on HB640. The history of a voter's right to challenge another voter's eligibility directly at the polling place in the United States reflects a longstanding commitment to safeguarding election integrity in a decentralized system. Mechanisms like in-person challenges help protect the votes of legitimate citizens—particularly amid concerns over lax verification in some jurisdictions, such as no strict proof-of-citizenship requirements for registration in many states and the absence of photo ID in others (e.g., Virginia allows non-photo alternatives or affidavits in certain cases. The proven approach in state laws permitted qualified electors, party challengers, or poll watchers to object on-site if they believed a voter was ineligible (e.g., due to non-residency, non-citizenship, or other disqualifications), often leading to immediate resolution via oaths, provisional ballots, or precinct official decisions—bypassing the need for court action in routine cases. This approach prevents dilution of valid votes. The U.S. Supreme Court has long recognized the legitimacy of such safeguards. In Crawford v. Marion County Election Board (553 U.S. 181, 2008; full opinion at https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/553/181/), the Court upheld Indiana's photo ID requirement, noting that states have a compelling interest in preventing voter fraud, including impersonation, which "dilutes" legitimate votes. Justice Stevens' plurality opinion affirmed that reasonable preventive measures do not unduly burden voting rights when balanced against integrity concerns. Similarly, in Purcell v. Gonzalez (549 U.S. 1, 2006), the Court addressed Arizona's Proposition 200 (requiring proof of citizenship for registration), staying lower-court injunctions partly due to the state's interest in verifying eligibility amid fraud risks. Concerns persist about vulnerabilities where states lack strong citizenship checks or photo ID mandates. Federal law (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 611) prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections, yet many states rely on self-attestation during registration without routine documentary proof, raising risks—especially with high immigration levels. Audits in states like Georgia (2022 referral of 1,600 potential non-citizen registrations at https://sos.ga.gov/news/secretary-raffensperger-refers-1600-noncitizen-registrants-local-das-gbi-state-election-board) and others have flagged issues. Today, most states (over 40) permit some form of on-site or pre-election challenges by citizens, poll watchers, or party representatives, often triggering provisional ballots (counted later if verified). This preserves localized integrity checks without overburdening courts. In balance, while voting rights must be protected—ensuring no undue burdens—the ability to challenge at the polling place serves a vital role in deterring and addressing fraud, upholding the principle that every legitimate citizen's vote deserves safeguards against dilution. Vote NO on HB640.

I support HB640. Elections offices are best situated with the information necessary to identify the qualification status of individual voters. That qualification is established when voter registration is accepted and the individual is placed on the voter rolls. The ability to vote is confirmed by the poll book status of the individual voter. The existing process is self proving and eliminates any reason for others to challenge the ability of a voter to exercise their constitutionally protected rights. This Bill best places any such challenge before the court and protects voters from frivolous challenges (e.g. a court may choose to sanction frivolous filings). This Bill further works to disarm elections observers from disruption and interference with the continuity of the election.

I request that you vote AGAINST HB640. HB640 requires challenges to be filed in the Court and not with the Registrar (at the polling place). This imposes an inequitable burden on voters who could challenge another voter in person, but who lack the resources to challenge in Court. The principle of challenging in-person at the polls is a common-sense and long-held right of the voter. HB640 reduces voter rights. In conclusion, please vote NO on HB640.

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.

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 HB1014. I am an attorney that practices in areas of law that have placed me in the courtroom for many guardianship / conservatorship cases. These cases where the question of “incapacity” is placed before the court show that there is no black and white, but instead a broad spectrum across which an individual may have a need for a guardianship / conservatorship to be placed. With that, there are many individuals who may lack the capacity to understand or otherwise assert their right to vote whereas I have observed many cases where the person is highly functioning, completely capable of the understanding necessary to assert and exercise their right to vote. This Bill properly places the nuance of this determination with the court where there are attorneys, a judge, a guardian ad litem (acting as the eyes and ears of the court), and the professional input of medical professionals convened to determine the unique needs of the individual. This constitutionally protected right deserves consideration of the unique needs and abilities of the individual prior to being swept away merely because there is some other need that might call for a guardianship / conservatorship determination. HB1014 appropriately centers the rights of otherwise qualified voters and should be adopted.

I believe that just because people have a Legal Guardian it doesn’t mean they can not vote. Many people with disabilities are legally competent to vote and can vote via absentee ballot if they can not go in person to vote.

HB1014 - I am writing as both a parent and guardian of a special needs child that recently turned 18. Surprisingly, my child, a US citizen, lost the right to vote based on outdated assumptions about disabilities and guardianship status. Please help our children keep their fundamental constitutional right (the right to vote) and not hold them to a "higher standard" than their peers by requiring "proof" that they are able to vote. A guardianship or conservatorship finding is not the same as being mentally incompetent to vote. Many Virginians with disabilities may need support in some areas of life but are fully capable of understanding the act of voting and that right should not be taken away from them without a specific court finding that they lack this capacity. Our children should be part of their community, which includes voting at 18 years old, and not be excluded! Thank you, Julie Cudworth

Please support HB1014. A 2020, JLARC study found that about twelve thousand adult Virginians have a guardian. https://jlarc.virginia.gov/landing-2021-virginias-adult-guardian-and-conservator-system.asp Some of these people do not have the mental capacity to understand voting, but many of them do. Many of them have political opinions they want to express, and want to vote as part of participating fully as Americans. Passage of HB1014 will address these unfairly disenfranchised citizens.

Regarding HB1014, please vote yes. Just because someone needs gaurdiansbip after the age of 18, does NOT mean they should lose the right to vote. A guardianship or conservatorship finding is not the same as being mentally incompetent to vote. Voting rights should not be removed without a specific, individualized court determination. Protect the fundamental constitutional right—the right to vote—by ensuring that people with disabilities are not disenfranchised based on outdated assumptions about disability or guardianship status. Many Virginians with disabilities may need support in some areas of life but are fully capable of understanding the act of voting and that right should not be taken away from them without a specific court finding that they lack the capacity to understand the act of voting.

Please Vote YES for HB1014 which ensures that no one is disenfranchised unless a court makes a specific finding, by clear and convincing evidence, that the person truly lacks the capacity to vote. A guardianship does not automatically mean someone lacks the capacity to vote. Many people with disabilities may need support in some areas of life but are fully capable of understanding the act of voting and independently determine who they want to vote for. Capacity is not all-or-nothing, and the ability to vote does not depend on the ability to manage other aspects of one’s life. Please VOTE YES for HB1014

At the House Privileges and Elections subcommittee meeting on January 28th, questions arose about HB 1014. I am a retired attorney. Since 1983, I have had over 2000 guardian/conservatorship cases, serving as a petitioning attorney for local departments of social services, community services boards, and other public agencies, representing parents or children petitioning for guardianship for a family member, serving as a guardian ad litem for alleged incapacitated persons, and occasionally serving as attorney for alleged incapacitated persons. Guardian/conservator hearings are brief and seldom contested. The hearings address whether or not the individual is incapacitated, and determine what specific measures should be taken to assist with that incapacity. Unfortunately, some lawyers and judges are in the habit of issuing plenary court orders that automatically revoke the respondent’s right to vote, without any consideration of the actual abilities of the specific individual involved. HB 1014 corrects this practice, ensuring that the court makes specific, individualized findings as to whether or not an incapacitated person under guardianship has the capacity to vote. This issue can and will be addressed in the initial guardianship hearing, even if the hearing remains brief and uncontested. Guardian/conservatorship is not permanent. It is designed to assist, not constrain, an incapacitated person. If an individual’s condition improves, or if the individual seeks a modification of the guardianship order and any limitations of any kind, including reversal of an incorrect revocation of their right to vote, the court will revisit this issue, as it would any other facet of alleged disability. This is not an additional burden on the court. It is the job of the court to afford full due process to the alleged incapacitated individual, and to revoke voting rights only in those cases where an individual truly lacks the competence to vote, as expressed in the Constitution of Virginia. HB 1014 sets out specific standards to ensure that incapacitated individuals in guardian/conservatorship proceedings receive the required due process to which they are legally entitled under current law. It improves the present practice in some courts, and clarifies and guarantees the existing rights of the disabled under current law. I respectfully request that the General Assemby pass this important bill.

This change risks allowing votes from people with severe cognitive impairments (e.g., advanced dementia), who may be vulnerable to influence, coercion, or exploitation by caregivers or others—effectively enabling forms of proxy voting or ballot harvesting without adequate safeguards. Strongly oppose.

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.

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 friend Karen Tefelski was dedicated to the legislative process as a lobbyist for 30 years. She voted religiously whenever the opportunity came up. She got very sick last year and thought she had more time to get to her voting precinct. Unfortunately, her illness progressed very quickly and she missed the opportunity to enter an absentee vote. When she decided to move from the hospital to hospice in her final days, on the way to hospice, her caretaker stopped at her voting precinct so that Karen could vote, because it was that important to her. The absentee ballot never came, even after she passed. I support this bill because it will give people who desperately want to vote the opportunity to do so even if they miss the window for absentee voting because of illness and hospitalization. Everyone's voice should be heard and every vote should be counted, no matter the medical circumstances.

Good morning, My name is Gina Koke. I am a close, personal friend of the late Karen Tefelski. Prior to her passing, Karen was a Virginia General Assembly lobbyist and Executive Director of VaACCSES, an organization dedicated to the furtherance of the rights of those with disabilities. I knew Karen for many years. When she became ill and was subsequently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023, we became close allies in the fight for her life. She had spent most of her adult life as a fierce advocate for people with disabilities. As she faced the ravages of cancer head on, she inevitably experienced ever increasing weakness and pain. In spite of this she continued to participate in meetings at General Assembly and speak on behalf of the needs of others as much as she could tolerate. She was a powerful advocate and well known for her lovable candor. Her illness sometimes made it impossible for her to leave her home or the hospital for days or weeks at a time but she persisted. During the month of October 2024, Karen received the sad news that her fight was almost over. She was immediately concerned about so many things, including the need to vote in the 2024 election. A friend immediately helped her request an early voting ballot. But as the days passed, the ballot failed to arrive. On October 29th, her oncologist made arrangements for medical transport to take her to end-of-life care at a hospice home in Bon Air, Virginia. Karen refused that transport. She said she needed to vote. While I gathered her things and prepared to move her to the hospice home, she insisted that another friend drive her to the Ashland precinct where she voted curbside one last time. She was very sick and very frail, yet she insisted on making this one last contribution to the fight for the rights of others in which she so staunchly believed. (see photo) On the afternoon of November 6th, 2024, the nurse called me over to the bedside and told me Karen was in the process of leaving this earth. I prepared myself emotionally and spoke to her even though she appeared insentient. I played the live broadcast of the election activities and talked to her about the polls getting ready to close. I told her I was so relieved that she was able to cast her vote. Although the nurses expected her to pass quickly, she lingered on until late that evening when the election was announced. I turned to her and told her the results and within minutes she passed away. I have remarked numerous times that I believe she held on just to hear the results. Karen’s life was dedicated to service in the disabilities community and in the political realm. She knew the power of the democratic process and believed in the good that could come from it. This bill speaks to the importance of the right to vote even in the midst of dark conditions. It highlights the human condition which often includes unforeseen circumstances. This bill seeks to provide a way where there would seem to be no way. It allows people dealing with the tribulations of life to take a moment and express their love for this country and their desire to participate in it. I wholeheartedly supported this bill on behalf of my friend, Karen Tefelski and all of those who will need its support in the future. I encourage all of you to see this bill through to a successful end. Thank you.

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.

Please support House Bill 1244. This bill is deeply personal to many in Virginia’s disability and advocacy community. It honors the life and legacy of Karen Tefleski, the longtime Executive Director of vaACCSES, who was a fierce advocate for people with disabilities, public policy, and the democratic process itself. Karen believed strongly in the importance of voting and civic participation. In October 2024, Karen was hospitalized. Even while hospitalized, Karen continued meeting with colleagues to discuss disability services, funding, and public policy. Voting remained important to her, and several advocates worked closely with a Delegate and staff to determine how she could still participate in the election. Under existing law, the only option available was an absentee ballot. Despite repeated checks of her mailbox, the absentee ballot never arrived. Ultimately, Karen was fortunate enough to complete curbside voting on the day she was transferred from the hospital to another care facility. Karen passed away just two days after the 2024 election. Had curbside voting not been an option, Karen likely would not have been able to vote due to the restrictive timelines and lack of clarity surrounding emergency voting under current law. HB1244 addresses these gaps by modestly extending the emergency voting timeline and providing clearer direction for voters when an absentee ballot is not obtained. For the disability community, the aging population, and individuals facing unexpected medical emergencies, these changes are not theoretical—they are essential to ensuring equal access to the ballot. HB1244 strengthens Virginia’s commitment to fair, accessible elections without compromising election integrity. This bill is a fitting tribute to Karen Tefleski’s lifelong advocacy and unwavering belief in civic participation. Those of us who worked alongside her, and the many individuals and families served by organizations like MVLE, respectfully ask for your support of HB1244 in honor of her memory and legacy.

Chair and Members of the Subcommittee: Thank you for the opportunity to submit written testimony in support of House Bill 1244, patroned by Delegate Bonita Anthony. HB1244 proposes meaningful updates to §24.2 705 of the Code of Virginia, reinforcing and modernizing the Commonwealth’s emergency absentee voting process. This bill ensures that voters who unexpectedly face hospitalization, illness, family emergencies, or delays in receiving their absentee ballot are not denied their right to vote. I want to share a brief personal experience that illustrates why HB1244 is so important. In a recent election, a colleague, Karen Tefelski was hospitalized before Election Day. She had applied for an emergency absentee ballot, but it never arrived. Her health continued to decline and on her way to the hospice house, a friend was able to take her to vote. However, had she remained hospitalized, this would not have been possible. She valued her right to vote and always encouraged others of the importance of casting your vote. Watching someone who had every intention of voting almost lose that opportunity due to circumstances entirely outside of their control was deeply frustrating and felt fundamentally unfair. It also made clear how easily other Virginians, especially seniors, caregivers, and those with health challenges, could find themselves in the same situation. HB1244 directly remedies this gap by allowing a voter to obtain an emergency absentee ballot when they have applied for an absentee ballot but have not received it within four days of the election and are unable to vote due to hospitalization, illness, or family emergency. Why HB1244 Matters HB1244 improves emergency absentee voting, balances access and integrity. It expands eligibility where necessary but preserves safeguards such as: • A required voter signature under penalty of perjury, • A witnessed form, and • Prohibitions on representatives with conflicts of interest. This thoughtful structure ensures that emergency absentee voting is available to those who truly need it while guarding against misuse. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to support and advance HB1244. Thank you for your consideration and your service to the Commonwealth. Respectfully, Deanna Rennon, BS

Please support this Bill Karen Tefleski, the long time Exec Director fo vaACCSES was a fierce supporter / lover of our elections processes and voting in person. On Election Day she would help her older neighbors by driving them to the polls to vote. On Election Day she would be intently following election results with her ‘graph paper grid’ even when there were websites the rest of us were using to follow the results. On October 22, 2024 Karen was in the hospital for what was the last time. As always Karen thought she had more time. More time to work on budget amendments, more time to meet with legislators and other advocates, and more time to go and vote. Even while in the hospital Karen was meeting with people to discuss disability issues and funding. A few of us knew how much voting meant to Karen and we worked with a Delegate and his staff trying to figure out how to support her. The only option due to how election laws were in place was to get an absentee ballot. She could not do anything else due to the various deadlines/ timetables in place. Every day people were checking Karen’s mailbox, and it did not come. I, Joanne Aceto, drove her to do curbside voting the day she was going to transfer from the hospital to another facility. I was honored to assist her and the Elections staff were very thoughtful and helpful as Karen completed her ballot in the car. To this day we do not know if the absentee ballot ever arrived at her house. Karen was lucky enough to be able to do the curbside voting but had that not been an option she probably would not have been able to do emergency voting due to the time frames that were in place. Karen passed away 2 days after the 2024 election. This bill is to honor Karen. It adds a bit of time to the emergency voting timeline and states that if the absentee ballot is not obtained what the voter can do. Those of us who knew Karen and how much voting meant to her would appreciate any support you can provide with this bill which honors her memory and legacy.

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.

Hello All. My name is Heath Grishaw and I will unable to attend in person it would like to use my privilege as an American citizen to voice my concerns and support on my state that I have been blessed to live in for my whole life. Please consider these points as I am not alone in this and would appreciate to know that I have been represented accurately and fairly despite my lack of support for our new governor. I do hope Abigail hears all citizens in Virginia and represents all including the unborn. HJ1 - 1. I oppose the HJ1 bill as it has broad language that would grant a constitutional right that cannot be easily changed without proper constitutional process. Legislators and voters would be hard pressed to find an ability to protect the voices of the unborn. Meaning commonsense restrictions such as limits on abortion at later gestational stages informed consent, or protection for fetal pain could and would be pre-empted or struck down. 2. Lastly- There are already laws and medical standards in place that protect access to essential health services, including care related to pregnancy complications, miscarriage, and life-saving medical interventions. Opponents argue that this amendment is an unnecessary expansion of state constitutional protections and will strip Virginia of flexibility to respond to future societal needs. HJ14- I do agree and in favor of this amending. 1. Reduces Financial Burden on Virginians Virginia’s annual personal property tax on motor vehicles can cost families hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year, especially given the high assessed values and taxing rates compared to other states. Exempting one personally owned vehicle from this tax will provide meaningful relief for working‐class Virginians, retirees, and middle-income households struggling with everyday expenses. 2. Encourages Financial Stability and Mobility For many Virginians, cars are a necessity—not a luxury—due to the state’s limited public transportation outside major urban areas. Providing a tax exemption for one personally used vehicle will help residents better afford reliable transportation to work, school, and medical appointments without the additional strain of recurring property tax liabilities. 3. Promotes Fairness and Simplicity Currently, personal property tax relief programs vary widely by locality and often require complex qualification rules tied to vehicle value or usage. HJ14 would standardize relief by constitutionally guaranteeing that each resident can own one vehicle for personal, noncommercial use without tax. This simplifies tax planning for families and eliminates inconsistencies across jurisdictions. 4. Strengthens Economic Competitiveness Lowering the overall tax burden makes Virginia a more attractive place to live and work. Reducing or eliminating personal property tax on one vehicle helps retain residents and attract new workers and retirees, supporting local economies and housing markets.

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 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 HJ45. I am very excited to see this Bill put forth! Very! 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote in local elections. This is actually quite common and a normal practice in other localities across the country. 16 and 17 year olds are capable and competent to participate and exercise their right to vote. They work and pay taxes (no taxation without representation!). They are licensed to drive and entrusted to operate motor vehicles. They are able to handle and use firearms (e.g, they can go hunting). They are best situated to know the needs of certain arms of local government (e.g. how school systems are operating and the quality of facilities) that most other voters may not have the same insight for when casting ballots. HJ45 should be adopted!

A 16 year old's brain is not yet fully developed. What is going on here? Strongly oppose.

We should not allow 16 years old to vote They can't get Tattoos or drink but we are going to allow them to make decisions that affect the entire country. I am totally against this. This is as crazy as allowing children to decide about major surgeries that can't be undone.

I strongly oppose. 16-year-olds should not be allowed to vote.