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Bill

SB 350

Absentee voting; counting ballots prior to the close of polls.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Angelia Graves and 2 co-sponsors

Virginia law authorizes election officials to count absentee ballots before polls close on Election Day, accelerating result reporting without waiting until voting concludes.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB350)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 350

Legislative bill overview

SB 350 allows Virginia to begin counting absentee ballots before polls close on Election Day, rather than waiting until after voting ends. The bill passed the Virginia Senate with bipartisan support (23-17) and includes a fiscal impact assessment from the Department of Planning and Budget.

Why is this important

Earlier ballot counting could significantly reduce the time needed to report election results, addressing a major concern for election administrators and voters awaiting outcomes. However, this procedural change must balance the desire for faster results against traditional concerns about election security and the integrity of vote counting.

Potential points of contention

  • Election security concerns: Opponents may worry that pre-poll-closing counting could create vulnerabilities or allow early results to influence last-minute voting behavior
  • Transparency and observation: Questions about whether poll observers and media can adequately monitor early counting processes before official voting ends
  • Implementation costs and logistics: The fiscal impact statement suggests resource requirements for training poll workers and adjusting counting procedures at thousands of precincts statewide

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

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