Virginia Democrats usher in election reforms, from anti-discrimination protections to earlier ballot

[TexasTowelie]

Virginia Democrats usher in election reforms, from anti-discrimination protections to earlier ballot counting


RICHMOND — Democrats' new majority might soon deliver permanent changes to Virginia's election process — including stricter voter protection laws and expanded ways to cast ballots.

Under the “Virginia Voting Rights Act,” Democrats in the General Assembly are seeking to codify protections for voters who might face discrimination based on their race or ethnicity.

Separate legislation would make permanent changes to the state’s election process put in place temporarily last fall, including ballot drop boxes and prepaid postage on mail ballots.

The voting rights legislation is being championed by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, and Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, who argue that federal efforts to weaken the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 could lead to practices or procedures that make it more difficult for voters of color to cast their ballots. The legislation would ban such a practice outright.

Read more: https://fredericksburg.com/news/state-and-regional/virginia-democrats-usher-in-election-reforms-from-anti-discrimination-protections-to-earlier-ballot-counting/article_58e6342e-0d97-561d-a635-25904c69fb8d.html
(Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)