Bill > SB76

This bill modifies Virginia's election laws primarily focused on primary dates and campaign finance reporting in presidential election years. The legislation shifts the primary date for presidential election years to the first Tuesday in March, instead of the traditional third Tuesday in June. Correspondingly, the bill adjusts candidate petition signature collection rules to allow signatures to be gathered after the date prescribed by the State Board for presidential election years, rather than strictly after January 1. The bill also creates a new, separate campaign finance reporting schedule specifically for candidates running in November during presidential election years, with modified deadlines that account for the earlier March primary date. These changes aim to streamline the election process by aligning primary dates, petition signature requirements, and campaign finance reporting periods for candidates in presidential election years. The modifications impact various sections of the Virginia Code related to elections, including candidate filing deadlines, petition requirements, and financial reporting schedules, with the goal of providing more consistent and predictable election procedures during presidential election cycles.