Virginia Senate Approves Absentee-Voter Bill

On January 26, the Virginia Senate approved a bill to allow no-excuse, in-person absentee voting in elections.  

Absentee voting makes voting easier for people.  Many people do not vote on election day because of long lines, or because of difficulty scheduling time off of work and child care.

Currently, Virginia voters who want to cast an in-person absentee ballot must meet one of 17 requirements, including being out of town, ill, or pregnant on Election Day.  The newly approved bill will allow Virginia voters to cast their ballots in person at any time within 45 days before an election without having to provide one of 17 excuses. The bill mandates that those wishing to vote absentee by mail must provide one of the specific excuses.

The bill now goes to a Virginia House of Delegates subcommittee for a vote. If the legislation passes, Virginia would join 32 states that offer no-excuse, in-person absentee voting.