Vote centers; pilot program. (HB1312)

Introduced By

Del. Rich Anderson (R-Woodbridge) with support from co-patron Del. Marcus Simon (D-Falls Church)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Vote centers; pilot program. Authorizes the State Board of Elections to conduct a pilot program under which one or more localities unanimously approved by the State Board would establish vote centers for use in primary elections instead of operating a polling place for every precinct in the locality. The bill defines "vote center" as a location established by local ordinance where qualified voters from two or more designated precincts are directed to vote. The bill requires the governing body of a locality applying to participate in the pilot program to have the unanimous consent of its local electoral board. The bill also requires the State Board to publish a report on the program by August 15 of any year in which a vote center is used. The provisions of the bill would expire on December 31, 2019. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
11/12/2014Committee
11/12/2014Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/14/15 15100334D
11/12/2014Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
01/13/2015Assigned P & E sub: Campaign Finance
01/20/2015Impact statement from DPB (HB1312)
01/28/2015Impact statement from DPB (HB1312)
02/04/2015Subcommittee recommends laying on the table
02/10/2015Left in Privileges and Elections

Comments

Carol Lindstrom writes:

There is a wealth of information available discussing the results of implementation of vote centers in other states. They save money, they encourage voters to turn out and vote, they reduce staffing needs. This should, at the very least be instituted as a pilot program in some of the high population density areas. This could have a tremendous impact on the ease and cost of voting.

ACLU-VA Voting Rights, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

The ACLU of Virginia is opposed to this legislation because Virginia's Constitution requires uniformity in elections across the Commonwealth. Establishing voting centers may also harm voters with transportation difficulties or individuals with disabilities who cannot travel greater distances to vote further away from their current, local precinct.