Bill > HB2216

This bill changes the appointment and management of the Commissioner of Elections in Virginia, transferring the appointment authority from the Governor to the State Board of Elections. Specifically, the bill requires that the Commissioner be appointed by an affirmative vote of four out of five Board members, with subsequent confirmation by the General Assembly. The start of the Commissioner's four-year term is shifted from July 1 of the year following a gubernatorial election to the second year after such an election. The bill also removes the Governor's ability to appoint a chief deputy or confidential assistant for the Department of Elections, and establishes that in the event of a vacancy, the Director of Operations will perform the Commissioner's duties until a new appointment is made. Additionally, the bill allows the Board to remove the Commissioner with a four-member vote and includes provisions to prevent conflicts of interest, such as prohibiting the appointment of relatives of Board members or elected officials. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, with a provision to extend the current Commissioner's term to June 30, 2027, subject to reconfirmation by the General Assembly.