Progress Virginia today celebrated the passage and signing of HB5103, which expands voters’ options to participate in this fall’s election amidst a deadly pandemic. The legislation allows localities to establish secure drop boxes for voters to return their absentee ballots while social distancing, eliminates the witness requirement for voting absentee in this general election, provides a cure process for absentee ballots that are returned with paperwork errors, and appropriates funds for pre-paid return postage for absentee ballots.

“No one should have to choose between their health and making their voice heard in this election,” said Progress Virginia Executive Director Anna Scholl. “This new legislation means voters will have choices in this election to ensure they can make their voice heard while staying safe and healthy. Now voters can pick the option that is best for them—voting early by mail or returning their ballot to a secure drop box, voting early in-person, or voting in-person on Election Day. No matter what option voters choose, they should know that the best way to protect the integrity of our elections is to make sure they’re accessible for every eligible voter. Virginians should go online to vote.virginia.gov today to check or update their voter registration status and request an absentee ballot.”