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