Bill > HB319

This bill directs the Department of Elections (ELECT) to establish a work group to study the implementation of "back-end, opt-out automatic voter registration" (AVR), a system where eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote unless they choose to opt out, as opposed to the current "front-end, opt-out" system where individuals must actively register. This work group will include representatives from various state agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, as well as legislators, local election officials, and voting rights and data privacy advocates. Their task is to compare the effectiveness, efficiency, and security of the back-end opt-out system with the current front-end opt-out system, identify the costs and benefits of such a change, and assess any technological or other obstacles to implementation. ELECT is required to report its findings and any legislative recommendations to the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees on Privileges and Elections by November 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB319