Election Processes, Laws, and Regulations Zoom

Wednesday, July 15 – Election Processes, Laws, and Regulations
12-1pm Zoom

Virginia Election Position Study Part #1: This Study Started with RMA

Election systems have changed in many important ways since LWV-Virginia adopted its Election Laws position in 2011. This LWV-VA Election Law Study, begun at the encouragement of RMA members, is directed at an update of that position. Now it is time for RMA members to contribute their feedback to the state-wide group studying the position.

There are three parts to the study; each part to be covered in separate July meetings. The first of these meetings will introduce the study and consider the report’s section on Election Processes, Laws, and Regulations. Read report pages 1-8. Members will be asked to consider the following questions on July 15th:

Section A2 of the Study: Is the Virginia Department of Elections doing enough to make the election system secure? What measures strike you as particularly effective, and where do you see room for improvement?

Section A3 of the Study: The General Assembly passed legislation providing for no-excuse absentee voting in person or by mail for the full 45-day period and providing for eliminating the requirement to provide a photo ID. Do you think it is now necessary for LWV-VA to state positions on no-excuse absentee voting or the photo ID?

Section A4 of the Study: Does it seem essential to you that general registrars in all of the jurisdictions should be trained and supported with enough funding and expertise to conduct risk-limiting audits before the election is certified, or is it sufficient for them to conduct audits after certification?

Overall questions: Does this section of the study have the right amount of depth to facilitate your review and consideration, as well as that of policymakers? What actions or advocacy would you like to see LWV-VA take in view of this study? Is there something you would like to comment on that has not been mentioned?

Part B of the study will be discussed in the meeting of July 22; Parts C and D will be discussed in the meeting of July 29.

About League Positions: The League takes “Positions” on local, state, and national public policies; those Positions are the grounds for League education and advocacy. League positions are the outcome of extensive, objective research followed by a grassroots discussion to arrive at consensus on the topic. This grassroots process ensures that our advocacy is well-considered by a broad range of our members. Leagues cannot act absent a supporting Position, and no one may speak for the League without adhering to the Position.