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VA HB78

VA HB78
Elections administration; duties of local electoral boards, certification of election, etc.


summary

Introduced
12/31/2025
In Committee
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
02/02/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Elections administration; duties of local electoral boards; certification of election; grounds for removal; civil penalty. Provides that the certification of the results of an election is a clear ministerial duty of the local electoral boards and that a member of the local electoral board who neglects or refuses to perform such duty in accordance with law shall be subject to removal proceedings by the State Board of Elections and assessed a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000. The bill also authorizes the State Board of Elections to intervene and carry out the duties related to election certification in the event a local electoral board fails or refuses to do so.

AI Summary

This bill clarifies that certifying election results is a mandatory, non-discretionary duty for local electoral boards, meaning they must perform this task according to the law without making a personal judgment. If a member of a local electoral board neglects or refuses to perform this duty, they can face removal proceedings by the State Board of Elections, which is the state-level body overseeing elections. Additionally, such a member could be fined up to $1,000. The bill also empowers the State Board of Elections to step in and perform the certification duties itself if a local electoral board fails or refuses to do so, ensuring that election results are officially recorded and finalized.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Passed Senate (25-Y 15-N 0-A) (on 03/02/2026)

bill text


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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB78
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB78) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1141192.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB78/text/HB78E
Privileges and Elections Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB78/text/HB78AHC1
Privileges and Elections Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB78/text/HB78AH1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB78) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1092897.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB78/text/HB78
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