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Bill

HB 113

Elections; soliciting or accepting bribe to influence or procure voter registration, penalty.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Helmer

Virginia bill criminalizes bribing or accepting bribes related to voter registration to protect electoral integrity and prevent corruption in registration processes.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 909 (effective 7/1/2026)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 113

Legislative bill overview

HB 113 creates criminal penalties for soliciting or accepting bribes to influence or procure voter registration in Virginia. The bill establishes that such actions constitute a criminal offense, with specific penalties to be determined through the legislative process. This addresses election integrity by targeting corruption in the voter registration process.

Why is this important

Voter registration is a foundational element of democratic participation, and bribery targeting this process undermines election integrity and public trust. The bill fills a specific gap in Virginia law by explicitly criminalizing what could be considered a serious form of electoral corruption. Given the high passage rate (95-3), there appears to be broad bipartisan recognition that this conduct warrants criminal penalties.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty severity unclear: The bill text itself doesn't specify what the actual criminal penalties are, making it difficult to assess whether they're proportionate or effectively deter the conduct
  • Definition precision: The bill's language regarding what constitutes "soliciting or accepting a bribe" related to voter registration may need clarity to avoid unintended consequences or overly broad application
  • Enforcement challenges: Proving bribery requires demonstrating intent and quid pro quo arrangements, which can be difficult to establish compared to other election law violations

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

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