Virginia Democrats Lead the Charge in Voter Protection and Expansion Efforts

Strategic Insights -

Virginia Democrats, spearheaded by the Voter Protection Council, are working year-round to protect and expand the vote in the state. From voter registration assistance to troubleshooting hotlines and national databases, they are leading the charge to ensure access to voting for all citizens. Governor Terry McAuliffe has made it a priority to eliminate barriers to voting, including the box requirement for citizenship confirmation, which has been a point of confusion for some voters. The Democratic Party is also working closely with the national Democratic effort to bring in new voters across the country by breaking down barriers to voting through legal challenges, regulatory changes, and grass-roots organizing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Virginia Democrats have formed a Voter Protection Council to identify problems and publicize changes related to voting in the state.
  • The council is working to set up a year-round hotline for voters to call in with questions and is testing a new model of the Democratic National Committee's voter incident reporting system.
  • Governor Terry McAuliffe is pushing to eliminate the box requirement for citizenship confirmation on voter registration forms.
  • The state GOP has objected to McAuliffe's proposal, claiming it is a "raw political play" ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
  • Virginia Democratic Party plans to support lawsuits that would overturn the state's voter-ID laws and redraw its congressional and legislative districts.
  • The party is also working on setting up a year-round hotline for voters to call in with questions and is supporting lawsuits to overturn the state's voter-ID laws.
  • McAuliffe is leading a national effort to win governor's seats in states that will draw new maps after 2020.
  • The Virginia Democratic Party has been spending heavily in advance of this year's election.
  • The party is working closely with the national Democratic effort to bring in new voters across the country.

Statistics:

  • 15 states with 162 electoral votes have new voting restrictions in 2016.
  • Voter-ID requirements are stronger in Virginia than in other states, with a photo ID requirement that must be current or have expired within the past year.
  • More than two dozen registrars have complained about the new board's proposed changes, saying they are not practical.
  • The party has been spending heavily in advance of this year's election.
  • 162 electoral votes are at stake in the 15 states with new voting restrictions.
  • Virginia is a key battleground state in the presidential election, with national Republicans describing it as a must-win if they are to take back the White House next year.

Sources:

  • The Washington Post, "Democrats target Virginia as they push to break down voting restrictions," Rachel Weiner, (no date provided)
  • Washington Post, "Virginia governor pushes to eliminate voter-registration hurdle," Rachel Weiner, (no date provided)
  • Virginia Democratic Party, (no date provided)
  • The New York Times, (no date provided)
  • Washington Post, "Virginia voters face new obstacles," Rachel Weiner, (no date provided)
  • Virginia Democratic Party, (no date provided)
  • The Washington Post, "Virginia Democrats' voter protection efforts face new obstacles," Rachel Weiner, (no date provided)