Bill > SJR253

This joint resolution establishes a 13-member joint subcommittee to study the potential consolidation and rescheduling of Virginia's general elections from odd-numbered to even-numbered years to align with federal election cycles. The subcommittee will consist of eight legislative members (three senators and five delegates), four nonlegislative citizen members with specific local government experience, and one ex officio member from the Department of Elections. The study will examine the potential impacts of this election schedule change, including effects on voter turnout, campaign costs, campaign finance laws, and potential cost savings for local governments. The subcommittee is required to provide recommendations on which elected offices' terms might need to be extended or shortened, necessary constitutional and legal amendments, potential adjustments to the state budget cycle, and specific implementation strategies. The study will be conducted over two years, with meetings limited to four per interim and a total budget of $19,840 per year, and will require approval from the Joint Rules Committee. The subcommittee must submit executive summaries of its findings by the first day of the 2027 Regular Session, with the option to submit a full report for publication, and any recommendations must be approved by a majority of both Senate and House members on the subcommittee.

Budget and Finance

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SJ253