Constitutional amendment; qualifications of voters and the right to vote (first reference). (SJ262)
Introduced By
Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) with support from co-patron Del. Kaye Kory (D-Falls Church)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
☐ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
Description
Constitutional amendment (first resolution); qualifications of voters and the right to vote. Establishes that the sole qualifications to vote in the Commonwealth are United States citizenship, being at least 18 years of age, residency in the Commonwealth, and registration to vote in accordance with the requirements set out in the Constitution of Virginia. The amendment further provides that any person who meets those qualifications has the right to vote and that such right cannot be abridged by law. The bill removes from current constitutional qualifications to vote not having been convicted of a felony and not having been adjudicated to be mentally incompetent. Read the Bill »
Status
01/09/2019: Incorporated into Another Bill
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 11/29/2018 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/19 19101513D |
| 11/29/2018 | Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections |
| 01/09/2019 | Incorporated by Privileges and Elections (SJ261-Locke) (14-Y 0-N) (see vote tally) |
Comments
The ACLU of Virginia strongly supports amending the state constitution to positively affirm the right to vote for all citizens who are over 18 and meet Virginia residency requirements. Right now, hundreds of thousands of Virginians cannot vote due to a felony conviction and more are disenfranchised every day under this remnant of the Jim Crow era, disproportionately affecting people of color. The right to vote belongs to the people and should be something that the government cannot take away for any reason.
But one party prefers to restrict voting as much as possible.
I strongly believe any electoral governing body should work hard toward universal right to vote. The decisions of that body affect all thus everyone should be able to have influence. Next for me, Australian-like requirement to vote and ease of voting.
Thank you.