- Maddison Pace
- 12:33 pm
With voting laws becoming increasingly important across the nation, the state of Virginia has sought to ensure all its residents are guaranteed access to their democracy.
To that end, Virginia just became the first state in the country to create its own Voting Rights Act.
Yesterday Governor Northam signed the two identical bills creating the act: HB 1890 sponsored by Marcia S. Price, and SB 1395 sponsored by Jennifer McClellan.
The Voting Rights Act of Virginia prohibits voter intimidation and coercion, and any measures or practices that deny minority groups access to the vote, and gives the state attorney general the ability to prosecute those suspected of violating voting laws. Voter suppression has been a concern in many states since the 2013 US Supreme Court ruling that removed some protections guaranteed in the 1965 federal Voting Rights Act.
The bill also prevents last minute changes to election procedure, and establishes the Voter Outreach and Education Fund. “Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of educating voters and persons qualified to be voters on the rights ensured to them pursuant to federal and state constitutional and statutory law and remedies.”
About the act, Senator McClellan said, “The Voting Rights Act of Virginia is a huge victory for our democracy. While other states are threatening voting rights, Virginia took a major step today to protect the right to vote. I am proud that our Commonwealth is leading the way, becoming the first state in the South to pass a Voting Rights Act. This law will help to safeguard every Virginian’s access to the ballot for generations to come.”
Share This Story
Maddison Pace
More Stories
Virginia Beach Has One Of The Country’s Best Boardwalks
the economic impact from tourism here is often over $2 billion in a single year, and in 2021 it was over $3 billion.
More Stories
How To Get A Maryland Fishing License
Are you ready to catch some fish and have a...
Governor Signs Bill Making Electric Cars More Affordable In Virginia
The program provides a $2,500 rebate after the purchase or...
Weather
Donate to TheVBJ!
More
Three Hampton Roads Cities In Top 10 Digital Cities
The yearly survey is used to spotlight ten cities in each of five different population groups that best utilize technology to serve their citizens, and this year Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Hampton all appear.
U.S. News Calls Virginia 7th Best State For Education
The commonwealth places well in this year’s study.
Virginia Beach’s Newest Music Festival Coming This Fall
In a 7-4 vote on Tuesday, City Council gave the green light to fund…
Virginia’s Best Colleges & Universities
U.S. News & World Report annually releases its rankings of American colleges…
Virginia Beach Called America’s 5th Best City For Families
Virginia Beach is the 5th best city for families, according to personal finance website Wallethub.
Virginia Beach Might Offer Free Rides In Electric Cars Around The Oceanfront
Similar services are already available in other places around the country.