Subcommittee backs substitute to bar election-day challenges at polling places

Delegate Delia Krizak presented a substitute to HB 640 that would remove the authority for voter-initiated eligibility challenges at polling places on election day and instead rely on pre-election verification, list maintenance and post-election review.

Krizak argued polling places lack the records and procedures to adjudicate eligibility disputes in real time, creating disruption and inconsistent application. "Poll workers lack the access to records necessary to resolve that residency, registration status or duplicate registration claims in real time," Krizak said.

Witnesses from New Virginia Majority and the League of Women Voters supported the substitute, saying it preserves registrars’ ability to investigate and prosecute improper voting while protecting poll workers and voters from confrontations on Election Day. The committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill by a recorded vote of 6–2.

The substitute leaves intact pre-election challenges, registrar list maintenance, and post-election investigations.