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Bill

HB 493

Absentee voting; ballots received, marked, and cast electronically through the Internet.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Hope

HB 493 would enable Virginia voters to receive, mark, and submit absentee ballots via internet, expanding remote voting access but raising cybersecurity and election integrity concerns.

Continued to next session in Privileges and Elections (Voice Vote)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 493

Legislative bill overview

HB 493 would allow Virginia voters to receive, mark, and cast absentee ballots entirely through the internet, rather than through traditional mail or in-person methods. This represents a significant expansion of remote voting options by enabling fully electronic ballot transmission and submission.

Why is this important

Internet voting could increase accessibility for voters with mobility limitations, those in remote areas, military personnel stationed abroad, and other populations who face barriers to traditional voting. However, it also introduces new cybersecurity considerations that election officials must address to protect ballot integrity and voter secrecy.

Potential points of contention

  • Cybersecurity risks: Internet-based voting systems present inherent vulnerabilities to hacking, interception, and manipulation that could compromise election integrity, and experts remain divided on whether current technology can adequately mitigate these threats
  • Voter verification and authentication: Ensuring voters are who they claim to be and preventing ballot coercion or vote-buying through unsecured internet channels presents significant technical and procedural challenges
  • Digital divide concerns: Internet-based voting may exclude voters with limited internet access, outdated devices, or technical literacy, potentially creating new equity issues while attempting to solve others

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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