VirginiaHB9682026 Regular SessionHouse

Election results; counting machine-readable ballots, processing absentee ballots.

Sponsored By: Marcia S. "Cia" Price (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Election results; counting machine-readable ballots; processing absentee ballots. Requires ballot scanner machines to be used to count machine-readable ballots and prohibits such ballots from being counted by hand unless (i) the ballot scanner machine is inoperative, (ii) there is no other available scanner, and (iii) it would be unreasonable to wait for (a) the inoperative ballot scanner to be made operative or (b) an operative ballot scanner machine to be delivered to the polling place rather than hand counting the ballots. "Ballot scanner machine" and "machine-readable ballot" are defined terms under current law. The bill also provides that if, in the processing and counting of provisional and absentee ballots, any machine-readable ballot is damaged or defective, a team of election officials representing both parties shall make a true duplicate copy of such damaged ballot as a substitute for such damaged ballot. This bill has a delayed effective date of September 1, 2026.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Damaged ballots get true duplicates

Beginning September 1, 2026, if a machine-readable provisional or absentee ballot is damaged so scanners can’t read it, officials make a true duplicate. A bipartisan team creates the copy, labels it as a duplicate, and links it to the original. The duplicate is then counted in place of the damaged ballot.

One observer at provisional reviews

Beginning September 1, 2026, one authorized observer per party or candidate may attend the electoral board’s provisional ballot meeting. The observer must be a Virginia qualified voter and show a signed written designation. Observers may watch only; they cannot take part or slow the meeting. Attendance otherwise stays limited to allowed representatives, the voters being heard, and board staff and counsel.

Scanners required and tighter closing steps

Beginning September 1, 2026, officers must use ballot scanners to count machine-readable ballots. Hand counts happen only if the scanner is broken, no other scanner is available, and waiting is unreasonable. When polls close, officers lock machines, declare results without delay, seal the machines, and complete duplicate result statements on the state form.

Clearer rules for provisional ballots

Beginning September 1, 2026, the electoral board meets the day after the election to decide each provisional ballot. The board may adjourn up to 10 days from Election Day and grant short extensions so voters can bring proof. A ballot is counted if you were entitled to vote in that precinct, or you or the state show you registered or DMV sent your info before registration closed and you were qualified. If the board cannot confirm your entitlement, or you did not give required ID or a signed statement, the envelope is not opened and your vote is not counted; the registrar sends written notice. When approved, your name is added to a provisional pollbook, your ballot is counted and certified, and you are listed as having voted.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Marcia S. "Cia" Price

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 219 • No: 99

House vote 3/4/2026

Senate substitute agreed to by House

Yes: 63 • No: 32

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Privileges and Elections Substitute agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Passed Senate with substitute

Yes: 21 • No: 19

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/24/2026

Reported from Privileges and Elections with substitute

Yes: 8 • No: 7

House vote 2/3/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 65 • No: 33

House vote 1/30/2026

Reported from Privileges and Elections with substitute

Yes: 16 • No: 6

House vote 1/26/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 6 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0718)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 718 (Effective 9/1/2026)

    4/13/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/14/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026

    3/14/2026House
  5. Signed by Speaker

    3/12/2026House
  6. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB968)

    3/11/2026House
  7. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB968ER)

    3/11/2026House
  8. Enrolled

    3/11/2026House
  9. Signed by President

    3/11/2026Senate
  10. Senate substitute agreed to by House (63-Y 32-N 0-A)

    3/4/2026House
  11. Passed Senate with substitute (21-Y 19-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026Senate
  12. Privileges and Elections Substitute agreed to

    3/2/2026Senate
  13. Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute

    3/2/2026Senate
  14. Passed by for the day

    2/27/2026Senate
  15. Read third time

    2/27/2026Senate
  16. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB968)

    2/26/2026House
  17. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/26/2026Senate
  18. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/26/2026Senate
  19. Rules suspended

    2/26/2026Senate
  20. Committee substitute printed 26107343D-S1

    2/25/2026Senate
  21. Senate committee offered

    2/25/2026Senate
  22. Senate committee offered

    2/24/2026Senate
  23. Senate committee offered

    2/24/2026Senate
  24. Reported from Privileges and Elections with substitute (8-Y 7-N)

    2/24/2026Senate
  25. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB968)

    2/6/2026House

Bill Text

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