If you are older than 65, you will still need a valid excuse to vote absentee on Election Day. A bill allowing seniors to cast an absentee ballot based solely on age failed Tuesday in Richmond.
Democratic Senator John Miller has carried the bill for several years without success. He says the rules need to be changed to protect the rights of seniors.
"They would like to come and vote, they would like to vote absentee, but they don't have an excuse that fits the 17 that are accepted," Miller said. "So we're forcing them to lie in order to get an absentee ballot."
Lawmakers who oppose the idea say the absentee voting system in its current form works. Miller disagrees, and says he hopes for better luck next session.
