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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCNN: Virginia governor makes Election Day a holiday and expands early voting
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Sunday that he signed a series of new measures into law aimed at expanding access to voting in the commonwealth.
(CNN)Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Sunday that he signed a series of new measures into law aimed at expanding access to voting in the commonwealth.
The new legislation will establish Election Day as a holiday, remove the requirement that voters show a photo ID prior to casting a ballot and, expand early voting to be allowed 45 days before an election without a stated reason.
"Voting is a fundamental right, and these new laws strengthen our democracy by making it easier to cast a ballot, not harder," Northam said in a statement. "No matter who you are or where you live in Virginia, your voice deserves to be heard. I'm proud to sign these bills into law."
Several states and cities have already made Election Day a civic holiday, including Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky and New York. State offices typically close, though it depends on the state whether employees are entitled to paid time off to vote.
Proponents say making Election Day a holiday could improve voter turnout. But Election Day may not become a federal holiday anytime soon -- it's drawn deep division along party lines.
https://www.newsandguts.com/link/cnn-virginia-governor-makes-election-day-a-holiday-and-expands-early-voting/?fbclid=IwAR0I4sJLYzt-tX9zV2fh4Xq750cuGi4t2KaVawdzcOFoUjaJHGaE2N00mRo
Yonnie3
(17,434 posts)I'm quite pleased with our blue team in Virginia.
napi21
(45,806 posts)made our Primary election all mail in ballots. Sent an app to all registered voters to request a ballot. I had already applied for an absentee ballot. So far he hasn't said anything about November. If Va. already has absentee voting, people could send their request for a ballot and vote without having to physically go to the polls.
kimbutgar
(21,137 posts)Karadeniz
(22,513 posts)2naSalit
(86,577 posts)forgiven for the maybe it was him in blackface thing from decades ago now?
He certainly has been making a big turnaround in that state and I'm thrilled to see it.