The Shadow
RICHMOND — Gov. Ralph Northam has announced legislative proposals to implement early voting and make Election Day a state holiday.
If passed, the measures will make it easier for Virginians to vote, Northam said.
“Voting is a fundamental right,” said Northam. “But in a state that once put up tremendous barriers to voting, too many people are still unable to participate meaningfully in our democracy.
“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. I look forward to working with the General Assembly to pass these important measures into law,” he added.
Virginia requires voters who wish to vote absentee to provide the state with a reason, from an approved list, why they are unable to vote on Election Day.
Northam’s proposal would allow early voting during the 45 days before an election.
The governor is also proposing to make Election Day a state holiday. The measure would maintain the same number of state holidays by repealing Lee-Jackson Day.
