Virginia lawmakers approve absentee voting measures

RICHMOND — Virginia lawmakers gave final approval Friday to legislation aimed at making absentee voting easier in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, including having the state prepay postage and provide drop boxes for absentee ballots.

The House of Delegates approved a Senate bill that will allocate $2 million for prepaid postage and also set up a process for voters to correct paperwork issues on improperly submitted ballots. The Senate approved the bill last week, so the legislation will now go to Gov. Ralph Northam.

Northam, a Democrat, had urged lawmakers to move quickly to approve additional funding for absentee voting, with the presidential election just two months away.

States around the country are expecting a big increase in voting by mail because of the ongoing health threat from the coronavirus.

Read more: https://www.pilotonline.com/government/elections/vp-nw-virginia-lawmakers-approve-absentee-voting-measures-20200905-d2uulmdvj5fz5bzpqlbuwold5u-story.html