On Tuesday, the House Privileges and Elections Committee in Virginia voted to advance House Joint Resolution 2 (HJ2), a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to restore voting rights for individuals with felony convictions upon release from incarceration and strengthen voting protections for individuals with disabilities. The resolution, introduced by Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D-Alexandria), was passed by the committee in a narrow vote of 12 to 9.
Under this amendment, individuals who have completed incarceration for felony convictions would automatically regain their voting rights, eliminating the current requirement for rights restoration by the governor.
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In a rare move, following Donald Trump's re-election to the presidency, the Virginia House of Delegates Privileges and Elections Committee has scheduled a surprise meeting to review three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution.
The meeting, set for 11 a.m. tomorrow, November 13, 2024, will take place in House Committee Room C—206. It will catch the public’s attention ahead of the General Assembly’s regular session in January 2025.
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“No, it’s not going to be ready by the end of the year,” confirmed Commissioner Charles Ziegler, who assumed his role in January. Ziegler cited pandemic-related labor shortages, ADA compliance issues, and ongoing quality control efforts as factors contributing to the revised timeline.
A History of Delays
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These upgrades aim to improve facilities and enhance the guest experience, though park officials urge visitors to check specific park web pages for the most up-to-date information on closures and project timelines.
“These renovations are key to the longevity of our parks,” said Virginia State Parks Director Melissa Baker. “It takes time to upgrade the facilities and make each location more enjoyable for all guests. We look forward to sharing the upgraded cabins and campgrounds when the projects are completed.”
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From The Center Square:
Republican leaders are praising Wednesday's 6-3 U.S. Supreme Court decision to allow Virginia to keep “noncitizens” off the voter rolls.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, who led the appeal in the highest court, calls the ruling a “win for election integrity and the rule of law.” Although pleased with the outcome, he expressed concern with the Biden-Harris administration’s attempt to “execute” his lawsuit.
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Republicans may be eclipsing Democrats in early in-person voting this year in Virginia, though Democrats appear to be outperforming Republicans in submitting mail-in ballots, according to data compiled by the nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project.
Just two weeks out from the presidential election, Republicans are likely to have cast 46.5% of early in-person ballots, while Democrats likely account for 45.5%.
A new survey conducted by the Wason Center reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris leads former President Donald Trump by 11 points in the race for the White House among likely voters in Virginia.
Harris garners 52% of the vote compared to Trump’s 41%, with 4% of voters undecided and 3% choosing another candidate. Harris’s support is particularly strong among women, Black voters, and college-educated individuals, while Trump maintains strong backing among Republicans and a slight edge with white voters.
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Effective July 1, 2024 new laws enacted by the Virginia General Assembly will bring several changes for DMV customers. These changes include updates to the uninsured motor vehicle fee, farm use placards, disabled parking placard duration, and manufactured home conversion procedures.
DMV offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4.
Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee
Starting July 1, 2024, the DMV will no longer collect the Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee. All vehicles registered in Virginia must have insurance that meets the state’s liability limits. Customers must provide proof of insurance when requested.
Farm Use Placards
Permanent DMV-issued farm placards will be required for unregistered farm use panel trucks, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. These $15 placards are valid for the lifetime of the vehicle and are non-transferable. An additional $15 may be required if the vehicle does not already have a title. Placard transactions are not available online and must be completed at a local DMV Select or full-service customer service center. More details are available on the DMV website.
Disabled Parking Placards
From July 1, 2024, there will be no fee for disabled parking placards. Temporary placards will now be valid for up to 12 months if certified by a medical provider. Applicants must submit a completed Disabled Parking Plates or Placard Application by mail or at a local DMV Select.
Manufactured Home Conversion
Manufactured homeowners not listed on the title can submit legal documents establishing ownership. If ownership was transferred indirectly, proof of successive ownership must be provided. Documentation proving that any existing lien on the manufactured home has been released is also required.
Further details are available at the Virginia DMV’s website.
