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Bill

HB 1244

Absentee voting; emergency application for absentee ballot.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 3 co-sponsors

Virginia bill creates emergency absentee ballot application process allowing eligible voters to request ballots outside standard deadlines through election day.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 761 (effective 7/1/2026)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1244

Legislative bill overview

HB 1244 expands Virginia's absentee voting procedures by creating an emergency application process for voters to obtain absentee ballots outside standard deadlines. The bill allows eligible voters facing unexpected circumstances to request and cast absentee ballots when normal application periods have closed, potentially extending voting access through election day.

Why is this important

Absentee voting procedures directly affect voter participation, particularly for people with mobility limitations, work conflicts, illness, or unexpected emergencies. Broadening emergency access could increase turnout among voters who cannot vote in-person on election day, while the specifics of eligibility and deadlines determine how many voters actually benefit.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "emergency": The bill's effectiveness depends on how narrowly or broadly emergency circumstances are defined—vague language could create disputes over which situations qualify
  • Election administration burden: Poll workers and election officials must process and verify emergency applications quickly, raising concerns about operational capacity and potential for error during peak voting periods
  • Voter fraud concerns: Opponents may worry that relaxed deadline procedures increase vulnerability to fraudulent applications, while supporters argue emergency provisions include sufficient verification safeguards

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

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