With the presidential election less than 100 days away, Virginia is still awaiting federal clearance before the new voter registration law can go into full effect. That's among the key issues on the table, as registrars from all over the commonwealth gather in Staunton.
Cities and counties across Virginia sent 134 officials to the annual gathering of the Voter Registrars Association of Virginia (VRAV). State officials say they're prepping for a presidential decision that will stress the system.
VRAV Vice President Lisa Wooten explained, "Virginia just requires that you show some form of identification: voter card, driver's license, a handgun permit, a utility bill, bank statement...any of those things that prove who you say you are."
If the law goes into effect, voters who forget to bring one of those to the polls can still submit a provisional ballot, then present ID to the electoral board within three days of the election.
Presidential races attract voter turnout that's often 10 times greater than local elections. The three-day gathering in Staunton helps cities and counties make sure they're ready for the November rush.
