Issue Position: Voting Rights

Issue Position

Voting Rights

Here in Virginia, we have a lot of work to do to make it easier to vote. A recent study by Northern Illinois University ranked Virginia as the 2nd most difficult state to vote in, behind only Mississippi. We are one of 13 states that do not have some period of no excuse early voting, and we have neither automatic voter registration nor same-day voter registration. Additionally, individuals are required to provide a photo I.D to vote, which studies have shown disproprotionately disenfranchise minorities, the elderly, and low income communities.

Going forward we must prioritize making Virginia a leader in voting rights. We need to institute automatic voter registration, no excuse early voting, and loosen our photo I.D. requirements. There is nothing more fundamental to our democracy than exercising our right to vote and we should not inhibit, stifle, or suppress that right.

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