Title of Regulation: 1VAC20-70. Absentee Voting (amending 1VAC20-70-40).

Statutory Authority: § 24.2-103 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: July 1, 2013.

Agency Contact: Lindsay Fraser, Election Uniformity Analyst, State Board of Elections, 1100 Bank Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 864-8936, FAX (804) 371-0194, or email lindsay.fraser@sbe.virginia.gov.

Summary:

In response to Chapter 501 of the 2013 Acts of Assembly, the amendment gives the general registrar responsibility for taking the steps needed to prepare absentee ballots for counting after polls close on election day.

1VAC20-70-40. Alternative counting processing procedures for absentee ballots returned before election day.

An electoral board that approves use of alternative procedures for Each general registrar in taking the measures as needed to expedite counting absentee ballots under § 24.2-709.1 of the Code of Virginia shall ensure that:

1. The general registrar staff assigned follow all previously prescribed instructions for processing and verifying absentee ballots.

2. All absentee ballots are secured at the end of each day following principles of dual control and chain of custody.

3. The general registrar staff assigned follow carefully all the requirements of § 24.2-709.1 of the Code of Virginia, including the requirement that at least two officers of election, one representing each party, be present during all hours that the expedited procedures are used.

4. Notice is given to the local political party chairs of the times and places for processing absentee ballots in sufficient time to allow for the authorized party representatives to be present.