Virginia would let eligible absentee voters return their ballots online

The Virginia Department of Elections would make an accessible online absentee voting tool available to every locality. Eligible voters would include people with vision or print disabilities and other voters covered by a separate Virginia law. Local election officials would offer the tool to applicants reporting vision or print disabilities. Voters would follow Department instructions for marking and returning ballots, completing required forms, and providing proof of identity. Applicants with vision or print disabilities who choose paper return would receive a return envelope and accessible instructions by mail. If enacted, these provisions would take effect on January 1, 2028.

The online tool would let voters sign a voter statement or complete the required federal oath electronically. The voter statement would cover residence now or at some time since the previous November's general election, any voting assistance, and a promise not to vote twice. The voter statement would carry felony penalties for false statements. Voters eligible under the federal law for uniformed-service and overseas absentee voting would use its standard oath. Voters whose registration affirms they have never received a Social Security number could use their voter registration identifier instead of its last four digits. If enacted, these provisions would take effect on January 1, 2028.