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Bill

SB 994

Elections; prohibited area within 100 feet.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Angelia Graves

Virginia bill establishing 100-foot polling place buffer zone was withdrawn by its sponsor before committee consideration in January 2025.

Stricken at request of Patron in Privileges and Elections (15-Y 0-N)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 994

Legislative bill overview

SB 994 would establish a prohibited area within 100 feet of polling places during elections, though the specific restrictions are not detailed in the available legislative record. The bill was prefiled in January 2025 but was stricken (withdrawn) at the patron's request on January 28, 2025, after receiving a fiscal impact statement.

Why is this important

Polling place regulations affect voting access and election administration. The 100-foot buffer zone concept typically addresses concerns about voter intimidation, electioneering, or disruptions near voting locations—issues that directly impact whether voters can cast ballots safely and freely. However, such restrictions must balance security concerns against First Amendment protections for speech and assembly.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "prohibited area" definition: Whether the restriction applies to campaign activities, armed poll observers, protest demonstrations, or all of the above remains unclear from available documents
  • First Amendment implications: Establishing buffer zones around polling places raises constitutional questions about restricting speech and assembly rights in public spaces
  • Enforcement clarity: The bill's fiscal impact statement suggests implementation concerns about how such restrictions would be monitored and enforced by election officials

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

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