One of the big issues that we expect the legislature to deal with during the upcoming session concerns voting rights. The disAbility Law Center of Virginia will educate and support reforms that strengthen the right and the ability of people with disabilities to be able to exercise their right to vote.
In 2020, dLCV surveyed hundreds of polling places and found that most did not support the ability of individuals to vote “curbside.” Virginia law offers curbside voting to older voters and those with disabilities, but in practice, polling places require you to come inside to request that curbside ballot, effectively eliminating that right. dLCV supports HB 1921, being offered by Delegate Marcia Price, which will require information posted prominently at each location stating how someone can request a ballot to be brought to their car.
SB 1097, offered by Senator Favola, and HB 2028, from Delegate Runion, will remove the requirement for a witness signature on absentee ballots. This change would be of assistance to voters with disabilities who also happen to live alone.
The disAbility Law Center of Virginia’s mission 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. 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.
Please continue to check back here for regular updates on developments in the legislature.