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SB 298

Absentee voting in person; available beginning on tent day prior to election, hours of operation.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Peake

SB 298 extends in-person absentee voting in Virginia to start ten days before elections, increasing voter access but requiring additional administrative resources.

Passed by indefinitely in Privileges and Elections (8-Y 7-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 298

Legislative bill overview

SB 298 would extend in-person absentee voting availability in Virginia to begin ten days before Election Day, with specific hours of operation mandated. The bill modifies current absentee voting procedures to provide earlier in-person voting opportunities for Virginia voters.

Why is this important

Expanding the in-person absentee voting window affects voter access and convenience, potentially reducing last-minute voting pressures and long lines. It also impacts election administration resource planning, as early voting windows require sustained staffing and facility availability across multiple days.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden and cost: Extended voting periods require additional resources for poll workers, facilities, and equipment across more days, raising budget concerns for election officials
  • Voter behavior changes: Earlier voting availability could shift voting patterns and make election day turnout prediction more difficult for operational planning
  • Consistency across localities: Implementation may vary between urban and rural Virginia jurisdictions based on available resources, potentially creating unequal access

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

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