HB2198: State minimum wage; statewide referendum at November 2015 general election on question of increase.
HOUSE BILL NO. 2198
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. § 1. It shall be the duty of the officers conducting the November 2015 statewide election, at the places appointed for holding the same, to open a poll and take the sense of the qualified voters on the question stated below. The State Board of Elections shall have notice of the referendum published at least twice, the first publication being at least 45 days before the election, in one or more newspapers designated by the State Board that collectively circulate throughout the Commonwealth.
The ballots to be used at the election shall pose the question in substantially the following form:
QUESTION: "Should the state minimum wage be increased incrementally over the next three years from the current $7.25 per hour to $7.50 per hour on January 1, 2016, $8.00 per hour on January 1, 2017, and $8.50 per hour on January 1, 2018?"
[] YES
[] NO
The ballots shall be prepared, distributed, and voted, and the results thereof ascertained and certified, in the manner prescribed by Title 24.2 of the Code of Virginia. The State Board of Elections shall comply with § 30-19.10 of the Code of Virginia and shall cause to be sent to the electoral boards of each county and city sufficient copies of the question contained herein and a neutral explanation of the question for the officers of election to post in each polling place on election day.
The electoral board of each county and city shall make out, certify, and forward an abstract of the votes cast for and against the question in the manner now prescribed by law in relation to votes cast in general elections.
The State Board of Elections shall open and canvas such abstracts and examine and report the whole number of votes cast at the election for and against the question in the manner now prescribed by law in relation to votes cast in general elections. The State Board shall announce the results of the referendum. If a majority of those voting at the election vote in the affirmative upon such question, the state minimum wage shall be increased incrementally over the next three years from the current $7.25 per hour to $7.50 per hour on January 1, 2016, $8.00 per hour on January 1, 2017, and $8.50 per hour on January 1, 2018.
The expenses incurred in conducting this referendum shall be defrayed as in the case of other November general elections.