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Virginia elections commissioner highlights same-day registration strain, staffing shortfalls in 2024 post‑election report
Summary
The Department of Elections presented the 2024 post‑election report to the State Board, citing more than 114,000 same‑day registrations, a 74% survey response rate from registrars, and staffing gaps that strained local offices during canvass periods.
Susan Beals, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Elections, presented the board with the department’s 2024 post‑election report at the March State Board of Elections meeting and summarized key operational challenges from last year’s election cycle.
Beals told the board the department received more than 114,000 same‑day voter registration applications during the 2024 general election and that the volume and the short timeframe for processing created difficulties for local registrars. Same‑day registrations are handled as provisional ballots; they are reviewed by the registrar and then considered by the local electoral board during the provisional ballot meeting, where an affirmative vote is required to count the ballot.
The report, required under Virginia Code §24.2‑103, also included results of a post‑election survey of general registrars prepared by Rachel Lawless and the policy team. Beals said the survey had a 74% response rate and that registrars identified the number one resource need as additional permanent staff, specifically a full‑time deputy registrar. She noted that over 60% of election offices in Virginia operate with no additional full‑time staff other than the registrar or just one additional full‑time staff member.
On technology, Beals highlighted improved performance in Verus (the Department’s election‑administration system): 65% of registrars reported Verus performance improved in 2024 compared with 2023 following departmental IT efforts to reduce technical debt and address performance issues. The department also included the 2024 post‑election report in the meeting packet and said it is available on the Department of Elections website.
Why this matters: Large volumes of same‑day registrations can extend local canvass timelines and place staffing strains on smaller offices, particularly in communities with universities or seasonal population surges. The report signals recurring staffing and operational needs that affect timely certification and canvass processes.
The board voted to approve the State Board of Elections 2024 annual report and to transmit it to the governor and General Assembly as required by statute.
