Candidate petitions; circulator requirements. (HB1898)

Introduced By

Del. Bob Brink (D-Arlington) with support from co-patron Del. Rob Krupicka (D-Alexandria)

Progress

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

Description

Candidate petitions; circulator requirements. Provides that a person who circulates a petition to place a candidate's name on the ballot and witnesses the signatures thereon shall include in his affidavit on the petition his name, age, residence address, and, if different, mailing address and the name of the organization, if any, that he represents in circulating the petition. The bill also eliminates the requirement that the circulator be a resident of the Commonwealth, but provides that a circulator who is not a resident shall be deemed to have submitted to the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/08/2013Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/13 13102242D
01/08/2013Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
01/11/2013Assigned P & E sub: Elections Subcommittee
01/16/2013Impact statement from DPB (HB1898)
02/05/2013Left in Privileges and Elections

Comments

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

The ACLU of Virginia strongly supports legislation eliminating the state residency requirement for petition circulators. The current law places a severe burden on a candidate’s or party’s ability to disseminate their political views or gain access to the ballot in Virginia. The requirement reduces the quantity of petition circulators in Virginia which diminishes the political speech available to the voters of Virginia, violating voters’ First Amendment rights to receive information and to participate in the democratic process.

ACLU-VA Free Speech, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

The ACLU of Virginia strongly supports legislation eliminating the state residency requirement for petition circulators. The current law places a severe burden on a candidate’s or party’s ability to disseminate their political views or gain access to the ballot in Virginia in violation of the First Amendment. The requirement reduces the quantity of petition circulators in Virginiam which diminishes the political speech available to the voters of Virginia, violating voters’ First Amendment rights to receive information and to participate in the democratic process.