HB 220 (Krizek), as introduced, would require absentee ballots to be sent to voters with postage prepaid. Due to concerns over the potential fiscal impact to localities, the bill was amended in the Senate to include a reenactment clause, so that the bill would need to be revisited next year in order to take effect. The conference committee opted to take the Senate’s approach, which VACo prefers; a delay will allow time to collect data on the use of by-mail voting under the new no-excuse legislation enacted this session, and would allow an opportunity to explore options for state assistance with postage costs, as the patron has expressed interest in undertaking. The conference report has been approved by the House and heads to the Senate for final approval.
VACo Contact: Katie Boyle