Lets Localities Set Satellite Voting Hours
Virginia · HB71 · Introduced Dec 31, 2025
Why it matters
Voters in localities that open these offices could cast absentee ballots in person closer to home. Changes to office locations or hours would generally be announced in advance.
What it does
- Lets county and city governments set up voter satellite offices by local ordinance
- Bars opening or closing these offices within 60 days before a general election
- Requires notice to the local registrar two weeks before any change, published twice in a newspaper
- Requires the registrar to post office locations and hours at least 55 days before an election
- Requires emergency replacement locations to be approved by the State Board
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would let county and city governing bodies set the days and hours of voter satellite offices by ordinance. They must notify the local registrar at least two weeks before passing any such ordinance.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Election administrators and voting rights groups would likely say satellite offices make early voting easier. Public posting rules would help voters find locations on time.
💬 The case against
Some local election officials would likely say the notice and funding rules add cost and paperwork. Opponents may also worry that locations could be changed late in the process.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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