Subcommittee rejects proposed photo‑ID overhaul after public opposition
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Summary
The House Privilege & Elections Subcommittee heard testimony on a sweeping photo‑ID bill that would require government photo ID, assign voter ID numbers, restrict absentee eligibility and end a permanent absentee list; members laid the bill on the table by recorded vote, 6–2.
Delegate Griffin introduced house bill 13 11 31 as a comprehensive photo‑identification measure, saying the proposal would “require photo ID for all voters” and add a unique identification number for each voter to reduce fraud. He described changes that would narrow absentee‑vote excuses to earlier, more limited standards and remove non‑government documents and an affidavit option for voters without photo ID.
Jane Newell of the League of Women Voters of Virginia testified in opposition, saying the proposal would “particularly harm voters who have no need for driver's license or who work in jobs that do not allow for much time off.” She told the subcommittee that even a free government ID can be a barrier for older voters and non‑drivers.
After public testimony the subcommittee considered a motion to lay the bill on the table. Delegate Anthony moved to lay the bill on the table; the motion was seconded and a recorded roll call resulted in the bill failing 6 to 2. The clerk recorded the outcome as “The bill fails 6 to 2.”
The subcommittee did not adopt amendments to keep the bill moving to the full House; the measure was effectively halted in this session by the recorded vote.
