In Virginia, a significant legislative move by Governor Glenn Youngkin aims to reshape election security protocols across the state.
According to Newsweek, Governor Youngkin has instigated an executive order imposing stricter voter registration verification, voting procedures, and result validation measures.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed an executive order that imposes new standards to protect the integrity of state elections. This directive follows high-profile discussions nationwide about election security and voter fraud, centering on the need for enhanced accuracy and fairness in the electoral process.
Since his inauguration in January 2022, Governor Youngkin has directed efforts to identify and remove over 6,000 noncitizens from Virginia’s electoral rolls. This action supports his administration’s broader agenda to ensure that only eligible voters participate in state elections. In response to this finding, new regulations mandate Virginia residents to utilize paper ballots, ensuring a physical trail.
The governor's executive order, numbered 35, details the secure handling of these paper ballots, which must be preserved by court clerks for 22 months, safeguarding the evidence for any needed audits or reviews. Additionally, absentee voting protocols have been revised to include a verification process against the last four digits of the voter’s Social Security number paired with the year of birth to affirm identity.
A novel triple-check system has been installed to enhance the precision of election outcomes. This system involves meticulous reviews at various levels before official certification, reducing the potential for errors or discrepancies in the final vote count. Governor Youngkin emphasized the universality and critical nature of this issue, stating that safeguarding elections is essential for both Democrats and Republicans.
"The Virginia model for Election Security works. This isn't a Democrat or Republican issue, it's an American and Virginian issue. Every legal vote deserves to be counted without being watered down by illegal votes or inaccurate machines," said Governor Youngkin after signing the order.
By collaborating data between the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Department of Elections, the process for correcting inaccuracies in voter rolls has been made more systematic. Individuals identified as noncitizens are provided a 14-day window to prove their citizenship and secure their voting rights.
The reforms have garnered praise from conservative circles, particularly from former President Donald Trump, who lauded Virginia’s leadership in securing elections. Trump's endorsement echoed across social media platforms, reinforced by his call to other states to mirror Virginia's approach.
"The beautiful Commonwealth of Virginia, superbly led by Governor Glenn Youngkin, IS TAKING A STRONG LEAD IN SECURING THE ELECTION IN NOVEMBER — PROTECTING EVERY LEGAL VOTE AND KEEPING ILLEGAL ALIENS THAT HAVE BEEN LET INTO OUR COUNTRY FROM VOTING," praised former President Donald Trump.
Governor Youngkin further supports the inclusive aspect of these measures, advocating for a fair chance for all removed from the rolls to substantiate their citizenship and reinstatement. "We give everyone who was removed from the voter roll 14 days to come back and demonstrate that they are a citizen. And they should be on the voter roll, and that's a very important process," he explained.
Annually, the Commissioner of the Department of Elections must ascertain that the security procedures are effectively implemented, ensuring ongoing compliance and adaptations to evolving challenges in election security.
Virginia's new executive order illustrates a vigorous effort to redefine and fortify the electoral process in the state. By enhancing the verification of voter eligibility, securing the voting methods, and instituting thorough checks on election results, the initiative underscores a foundational shift toward greater reliability and integrity in the democratic process. This legislative move by Governor Youngkin not only addresses immediate concerns but also sets a benchmark for other states considering similar electoral reforms.
