WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 773

Elections; absentee voting, cure process, delayed effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nicole Cole and 8 co-sponsors

HB 773 revises Virginia's absentee ballot cure process, allowing voters to correct defective ballots, impacting ballot acceptance rates and voter enfranchisement.

Governor's recommendation received by House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 773

Legislative bill overview

HB 773 modifies Virginia's absentee voting procedures by establishing or revising the "cure process"—the mechanism allowing voters to correct defects in their absentee ballots (such as missing signatures or witness information) after voting. The bill has passed the House and is moving through the legislative process with bipartisan support.

Why is this important

Absentee ballot cure processes directly affect ballot acceptance rates and voter enfranchisement. A robust cure process can reduce ballot rejection due to technical errors, while restrictions on curing can disenfranchise voters whose ballots contain correctable mistakes. This becomes especially significant in close elections where rejected ballots can influence outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Ballot security vs. voter access: Opponents may argue that expanded cure windows or processes could create opportunities for fraud or ballot tampering, while supporters contend that reasonable curing prevents legitimate votes from being discarded
  • Implementation burden: Election officials may face resource and logistical challenges in notifying voters of defects and processing corrections within statutory timeframes
  • Partisan impact: The 62-35 House vote suggests some partisan division; different cure timelines or notification requirements could theoretically advantage one party's voting demographics over another

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

Sign in to ask a question.