The VEBA Legislative Committee

Want to know the status of laws affecting Electoral Board members? Join our Legislative Committee forums on Mondays at 7 p.m. The meetings are lively and informative. Any member is invited to join via this Zoom link or by clicking the graphic. Any VEBA member is invited.

The Virginia General Assembly meets annually starting the second Wednesday in January, with sessions lasting 60 days in even years (budget years) and 45 days in odd years, often ending in March or April, plus potential special sessions called by the Governor or legislators.

The VEBA Legislative Committee is tasked with monitoring these bills, assessing their potential impact, and proposing VEBA positions in support or opposition. Policy decisions are the realm of the legislators, but few have the knowledge and experience to fully assess the consequences of their decisions on the conduct of elections.

The Legislative Committee is made up of volunteers who carefully review the wording of all election-related bills, assess the likely consequences on the election process should they become law and make recommendations to the VEBA leadership either in support or opposition to the proposals.

Committee members work to promote VEBA positions on bills by calling, emailing, or visiting legislators and speaking at Privileges and Elections (P&E) committee meetings where the bills are debated.

Legislators are more inclined to listen to their own constituents, so it is important for legislative committee members to develop and maintain a relationship with their delegates and senators (see Working With Your Legislator).