Richmond – The General Assembly today passed legislation sponsored by Delegate David Englin (D-45) intended to make it easier for election officials to staff the polls so that Election Day may go more smoothly, especially in larger precincts and during high-turnout elections. House Bill 1643 will give local registrars and election boards more flexibility over when they may administer required oaths to election workers, allowing them better arrange shifts to staff polls. The bill also includes a provision requested by the City of Alexandria to allow more poll watchers inside larger polling places.
“As a member of the Elections Subcommittee, I work closely with local and state officials trying to identify ways to improve our election system to make it easier for people to exercise their right to vote,” said Englin. “These are not monumental changes, but they are adjustments that will help make elections go more smoothly.”
Additionally, Englin sponsored a provision in House Bill 1643 to repeal the unconstitutional ban on wearing political clothing while voting. However, this provision was moved into an omnibus election reform bill that is on track to pass the General Assembly this week.
One of only two Democrats serving on the Elections Subcommittee in the House of Delegates, Englin voted numerous times during this General Assembly session for more significant election reforms, such as early voting, no-fault absentee voting, and nonpartisan redistricting reform. However, the Republican majority on the committee killed each of these efforts on four to two party-line votes.
“It’s unfortunate for the people of Virginia that the Republican majority continues to stand in the way of these common-sense reforms to make sure every qualified voter is able to fully participate in the process,” said Englin. “I will continue to fight for progress on these larger issues while also improving the election system where I can.”
The bill passed the House of Delegates on Feb. 4 by a vote of 98 to zero. The Senate made minor technical amendments and passed it unanimously Monday. The House accepted the Senate amendments unanimously today, resulting in the final passage of the bill.
Delegate David Englin is currently serving his second term in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he represents the 45th District, which includes parts of the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Arlington County. He was first elected in November 2005 and won re-election in November 2007 with more than 64 percent of the vote. A Democratic Whip, he serves on the Privileges and Elections Committee, and the Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee. For more information, visit www.davidenglin.org.
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