Committee debate spotlights competing priorities on shortening in-person early voting

Senate Bill 46, which would shorten the in-person early-voting window from 45 days to 15 days, prompted contested testimony and multiple committee interventions.

The sponsor said registrars and localities face rising costs and staffing burdens from extended early voting periods and suggested alternative models — for example, 30 days for presidential elections and 15 days for other contests. Joan Port, president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia, testified in opposition, saying that cutting the in‑person window to 15 days ‘‘would unduly restrict early in‑person voting’’ and disproportionately affect voters who work long hours, have caregiving responsibilities, or rely on others for transportation.

Committee members probed whether the proposal would affect mail ballots; the sponsor clarified SB46 applies only to in‑person absentee voting and does not change mail‑in deadlines. Some members expressed openness to amending the bill to a longer early‑voting window; others emphasized the need to ensure registrars have sufficient funding if days are reduced. The committee ultimately considered motions on the measure; the transcript records close voice tallies and a motion to pass the bill by indefinitely (PBI) was on the floor during debate.