Northam Extends DMV Credentials, Calls For Poll Workers

VIRGINIA — On Tuesday, Gov. Ralph Northam held a news conference on the coronavirus response in Virginia. Aside from providing an update on statewide and regional data, he addressed DMV credentials, working at the polls on election day, and the U.S. Census deadline.

To date, 68 of 75 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles locations have reopened for appointments. But due to the demand for appointments, Northam is extending the validity of some credentials issued by the DMV.

"I know lots of people are in line for appointments, so I am extending for an additional 60 days the validity of license and identification credentials that are due to expire by October the 31st," said Northam.

The extension will give residents more time to renew driver's licenses, learner's permits and identification cards. The validity of these credentials that would expire in August, September and October will be extended for 60 days beyond the listed expiration date. In addition, credentials that would expire in November are extended through Nov. 30. Those who have a credential that already expired in August can renew with no penalty.

The latest extension does not apply to vehicle registrations. Northam previously extended the validity of driver's licenses, learner's permits, identification cards and vehicle registration that would expire between March 15 and July 31 for up to 180 days, or no later than Oct. 31.

DMV will offer a new option to renew driver's licenses online or by mail that would normally be required to be done in person. In mid-September, DMV will begin offering two options for renewals of eight-year credential renewal, which is usually required in person. Those who can renew credentials or registrations online or by mail are encouraged to use those options.

For locations, appointments and more information, visit www.dmv.virginia.gov.

SEE ALSO: VA Governor Urges Vigilance With Coronavirus Ahead Of Labor Day

Call for Election Day workers

Virginia's Department of Elections is partnering with the state's health department to ensure polling places are safe and sanitized for Election Day. But the state is facing another challenge ahead of the Nov. 3 election: a shortage of poll workers.

"Many poll workers are elderly, so they are at high risk for COVID-19," said Northam. "So we are seeing a shortage of poll workers across our state. We need to make up for that shortfall with people who aren't considered as high risk to keep polling places open and operating smoothly."

Northam said anyone who wants to be a poll worker should be assured it will be safe. Interested residents can find more information and apply online.

The governor also recognized the Virginia General Assembly's efforts to pass election-related legislation. According to the Washington Post, the legislature passed a bill to allow drop boxes for absentee ballots, as well as $2 million in funding for postage for mail-in absentee ballots. Other legislation will allow voters to correct errors on a ballot and not require a witness for a ballot signature.

Earlier this year, the legislature passed a bill to allow no-excuse early voting 45 days before an election. Another law eliminated the photo identification requirement for in-person voting, but an acceptable form of identification is still required.

U.S. Census deadline approaches

Another item on the minds of state officials is the 2020 U.S. Census, which is used to determine federal funding allocations to Virginia and inform redistricting. The deadline to complete the Census is Sept. 30, and Virginia has the seventh highest return rate in the U.S. To date, about 80 percent of Virginia households have completed it.

"The country conducts the Census every 10 years, and it's really, really important. It helps determine how much money Virginia gets from the federal government," said Northam. "That's based largely on population and it determines how much Virginia gets for everything from food security to health to education and more."

State officials estimate Virginia would lose $2,000 in federal funding each year for each person not counted in the Census. The Census population count also factors into adjusting or redrawing congressional and legislative districts.

Census takers have begun going door to door to households that haven't completed the Census. At Northam's news conference, community leaders urged residents to complete the Census to ensure fair representation and resources for local communities.

By law, Census answers cannot be shared and are only used for statistical purposes. The questionnaire takes about 10 minutes and can be completed online at my2020census.gov, by mail, or by calling 844-330-2020.