Subcommittee votes enforce voting obstacles

Republicans in the House Elections subcommittee voted Tuesday to maintain several burdensome voting obstacles for Virginia voters and families. This comes the day after Republicans in the Constitutional Amendments subcommittee blocked progress on the restoration of voting rights, an issue strongly supported by Gov. Bob McDonnell and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

Despite countless reports of long lines and several hour long delays at the polls during the 2012 election, Republicans on the Elections subcommittee defeated a no excuse in-person absentee voting bill that would provide Virginia voters greater options and flexibility.

“The status quo in Virginia elections is unacceptable.  Waiting in line for nearly five hours should never be the norm.  No excuse in-person absentee voting offers Virginia workers and families greater flexibility and encourages participation,” said Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington).

“Rather than supporting a measure that would make voting more accessible, House Republicans told all Virginians that they should be content to stand in line for hours on Election Day.”

Republicans in the Elections Committee also defeated legislation that would allow families and single-parents with young children to vote by absentee.

“Virginia families should not have to choose between caring for their children and voting on Election Day.  This common sense legislation would make voting easier for single-parents and families with young children,” said Del. Ken Plum (D-Reston).  “It ironic that the Party of ‘family values’ defeated a bill that is designed to make voting more accessible for Virginia families.”