Several election-related bills have made it through a key House committee—but not without contention. Much of the discussion by Privileges and Elections Committee members centered on whether or not to pass new laws to be proactive rather than reactive.
One bill limits who can be present when the electoral board meets for provisional ballot certification following an election. There was also disagreement over identification requirements to ensure the integrity of elections. House bill 9 allows voters who cannot provide the proper identification to cast a provisional ballot instead of an official ballot. Some though argue the bill further complicates the voting process and isn’t necessary.
Another bill would have allowed local candidates to be identified by party affiliation on the ballot, but it was defeated.
— Tommie McNeil
Virginia Public Radio 