By Kal Weinstein
Capital News Service
RICHMOND — Beginning in fall of 2020, Virginia will have more than Election Day. It will be more like Election Week.
Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, to cast ballots for president and other political offices. But for the first time, Virginians will be able to vote early that year — from Oct. 24 through Oct. 31 — without needing to provide an excuse.
That is the effect of legislation passed Thursday by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Ralph Northam, who has expressed support for the measure.
Currently, Virginia is one of 16 states that require an excuse to vote absentee. To cast an early ballot in the commonwealth, voters must provide one of a dozen reasons for voting absentee, such as having a health, religious, school or business reason that prevents the person from voting on Election Day.
That would change under SB 1026, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Lionel Spruill of Chesapeake, and HB 2790, introduced by Republican Del. Nick Rush of Montgomery County. On Thursday, the Senate joined the House in passing the final versions of both bills.
The legislation “allows for any registered voter to vote by absentee ballot in person beginning on the second Saturday immediately preceding any election in which he is qualified to vote without providing a reason or making prior application for an absentee ballot,” according to a summary by the Legislative Information System. The absentee voting period ends on the Saturday immediately before the election.
In addition, Virginia still will offer absentee voting the existing way — beginning on the 45th day before an election. But until a week and a half before the election, voters must provide an excuse to get their absentee ballots.
When lawmakers convened in January, Northam urged them to approve no-excuse absentee voting. He called the existing law “arbitrary.”
Spruill said people do not feel comfortable having to provide an excuse about why they are voting absentee.
“You’d be surprised at how many folks come down and have to give an excuse as to why they’re voting early,” he said. “There should be no excuse to vote.”
Spruill said the legislation might reduce long lines to vote at polling precincts on Election Day.
Del. Kaye Kory, D-Fairfax, co-sponsored both the House and Senate bills. She said passage of the legislation is a “victory for the whole commonwealth,” even though it will not take effect until 2020.
“It’s about time. The reason this was a bipartisan success is because citizens of Virginia have been pushing for these kinds of reforms for many years,” Kory said.
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Big decisions and new initiatives are always unfolding around us—decisions that can leave us questioning the future and wondering how they will impact our community. But at Potomac Local News, we’re dedicated to showing you the way forward, helping you understand these changes and what they mean for the road ahead.
This week, we brought you exclusive stories that showcase how our community is evolving, from the cancellation of a major road project to the launch of new fundraising initiatives. Here’s how we’re showing you the way forward:
Osbourn Park High School has received the Virginia School Breakfast Award from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for its success in expanding breakfast access, maintaining nutritional integrity, and serving more scratch-cooked meals. The school is one of three recipients this year.
Cafeteria manager Nidia Bruno expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the team’s dedication to feeding students. Andrea Early, director of Food and Nutrition, noted that breakfast participation at Osbourn Park has increased by 30% and praised the cafeteria team for efficiently managing the expanded program. The school benefits from the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students.
(FXBG Advance) – Local delegates Joshua Cole, a Democrat, and Hillary Pugh Kent, a Republican, have been appointed to an emergency committee that will monitor the impact to Virginia of the…
Nothing Bundt Cakes has officially opened its doors just outside Manassas, bringing its signature, handcrafted bundt cakes to the community. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new bakery at 9825 Liberia Avenue, Suite 101.
The popular national bakery chain, known for its rich, moist cakes and signature cream cheese frosting, offers a variety of flavors and sizes, from bite-sized Bundtinis to 10-inch Bundt cakes perfect for special occasions. The store aims to be a go-to destination for birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday celebrations.
“We are ecstatic to have them join the thriving business community in Prince William County,” said a representative from the Chamber. “Their presence adds to the diverse selection of locally owned and franchised businesses that make this area a great place to shop and dine.”
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
