Election Day Holiday, Early Voting Change Proposed In Virginia

VIRGINIA — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced two proposals that could impact voters in upcoming elections. The legislation calls for an Election Day state holiday and 45-day early voting that doesn't require a state-approved excuse.

One bill would make Election Day a state holiday to give voters time to cast their ballots. To keep the number of state holidays the same, the Election Day holiday would replace Lee-Jackson Day, which honors Confederate Gens. Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Lee-Jackson Day typically happens close to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In 2020, the holidays fall on Friday, Jan. 17 and Monday, Jan. 20, respectively.

The other legislation would allow early voting without an excuse in the 45 days before an election. Under the current state law, voters must provide an excuse with supporting information to vote absentee in the 45 days before an election. According to Virginia Mercury, legislation passed in 2019 will allow absentee voting without an excuse seven days before an election beginning with the November 2020 general election. The State Board of Elections is now recommending 45 days to avoid voter confusion about the 45-day absentee voting with an excuse and seven-day early voting.

A few of the reasons for absentee voting are attending a college or university, a disability, first responder duties, being an active duty servicemember, and caring for a sick or disabled relative.

"By making it easier—not harder—to vote, these proposals will ensure we are building a government that is truly representative of the people we serve," said Northam in a statement. "I look forward to working with the General Assembly to pass these important measures into law."

The Virginia General Assembly session begins on Wednesday, Jan. 8 and adjourns Saturday, March 7. Legislation enacted during the 2020 session goes into effect on July 1. Super Tuesday, or Virginia's presidential primary election, happens on March 3, the state primary is on June 9, and the general election is on Nov. 3.