Republican leaders in the General Assembly say they recognize that elections in Virginia have problems. And, as Michael Pope reports, they want to take action. Next year.
Remember that tied election? The one where the name was pulled out of a bowl? They’re still talking about that here at the Capitol. Delegate Marcia Price is a Democrat from Newport News who says she heard from Republicans that something needs to be done.
“One guy came up to me and said I know we don’t agree on much. But tell me that you agree that this just isn’t right. And I did agree.”
But Republicans did not agree with her bill to require a runoff election in the case of a tie. They killed that in a party-line vote a few minutes before assembling for a press conference to announce the creation of a new committee to look at election problems. Delegate Mark Cole is a Republican from Fredericksburg.
“Right now a lot of the bills don’t go forward because one side or the other just doesn't think it’s a good idea or think there’s ulterior motives or something like that.”
Republicans say the special committee will look at absentee ballots, split precincts and how recounts are conducted. The plan is that the committee will meet for a year and then recommend changes next year, which also happens to be an election year for every member of the House and Senate.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
