Absentee Voter Registration
Amends
Article II. Franchise and Officers
Section 4. Powers and duties of General Assembly
Summary
This measure established a right to absentee voter registration for those living outside of the country temporarily for employment reasons, partially in response to federal legislation.
Shall Section 4 of Article II of the Constitution of Virginia be amended to permit absentee registration by persons, and their families, temporarily residing outside the country by reason of employment?
NOTE: In 1975-76, six proposed Constitutional changes were bundled into one resolution and referendum bill. Since these were separate questions and issues — indeed, one of them was rejected by voters — it makes sense to consider these separate amendments. For more, please see How to Count Amendments.
- First resolution – HJR209 – 1975
- Second resolution – HJR10 – 1976
- Referendum legislation – H166– 1976
Article II. Franchise and Officers
Section 4. Powers and duties of General Assembly
The General Assembly shall establish a uniform system for permanent registration of voters pursuant to this Constitution, including provision for appeal by any person denied registration, correction of illegal or fraudulent registrations, proper transfer of all registered voters, and cancellation of registrations in other jurisdictions of persons who apply to register to vote in the Commonwealth. The General Assembly shall provide for maintenance of accurate and current registration records and shall provide for cancellation of the registration of any voter who has not voted at least once during four consecutive calendar years.
The General Assembly may provide for registration and voting by absentee application and ballot for members of the armed forces of the United States in active service, persons residing temporarily outside of the United States by virtue of their employment and their spouses and dependents residing with such persons, who are otherwise qualified to vote, and may provide for voting by absentee ballot for other qualified voters.
The General Assembly shall provide for the nomination of candidates, shall regulate the time, place, manner, conduct, and administration of primary, general, and special elections, and shall have power to make any other law regulating elections not inconsistent with this Constitution.
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/constitution/article2/section4/
