2017 Virginia General Assembly
Legislative Highlights
January 23, 2017
The Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections will hear a number of bills tomorrow that could increase the ability of people with disabilities and other Virginians to be able to vote by early voting or absentee voting.
SB 792 (Ebbin), SB 1016 (Barker), and SB 1132 (Mason) would allow absentee voting by persons 65 or older.
SB 827 (Wexton) allows absentee voting by persons age 70 or older.
SB 826 (Wexton) increases the forms of identification that can be used in voting.
SB 844 (Howell), SB 882 (Spruill) , SB 972 (DeSteph), SB 1002 (Ebbin), and SB 1295 (Vogel) would allow for absentee voting by any eligible voters.
SB 845 (Howell) and SB 1131 (Mason) would allow for absentee voting by caregivers of people with disabilities.
SB 872 (Chase) requires someone applying to vote absentee to provide a copy of identification.
SB 1200 (Lewis) eliminates the requirement for identification in voting.
Similar bills were killed by a House subcommittee last week.
The disAbility law Center of Virginia monitors activities in the legislature that may be of interest to people with disabilities. We are available to educate policy makers about the potential impact of legislative proposals. Please let us know of any legislative proposals or budget issues that you think we should be following. Contact us at info@dlcv.org or by calling 1-800-552-3962 or 804-225-2042.
The mission of the disAbility Law Center of Virginia is to advance independence, choice and self-determination; protect legal, human and civil rights; and eliminate abuse, neglect and discrimination of people with disabilities through zealous and uncompromising legal advocacy and representation.