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Bill

HB 319

Back-end, opt-out automatic voter registration; work group to study implementation.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 2 co-sponsors

Virginia bill creates automatic voter registration through state databases with opt-out option, establishing work group to plan implementation and address administrative challenges.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 589 (effective 7/1/2026)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 319

Legislative bill overview

HB 319 establishes an automatic voter registration system in Virginia using a "back-end, opt-out" model, where eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote through existing state databases unless they actively choose not to participate. The bill also creates a work group tasked with studying the practical implementation details of this system.

Why is this important

Automatic voter registration could significantly increase voter participation rates by removing registration barriers, particularly affecting underrepresented populations who face logistical obstacles to registration. The fiscal impact assessment and implementation work group indicate this would require substantial administrative coordination across state agencies and systems infrastructure changes.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden and cost: Back-end registration requires integrating multiple state databases (DMV, social services, etc.), which involves significant IT investment and ongoing operational expenses that may strain state resources.
  • Voter eligibility verification: An opt-out system risks registering ineligible voters (non-citizens, felons, deceased individuals) if data matching between agencies is imperfect, potentially requiring extensive downstream correction.
  • Privacy and consent concerns: Automatically enrolling citizens in a government system without affirmative consent raises questions about individual autonomy and whether opt-out mechanisms sufficiently protect voter choice.

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

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