Virginia Mandates Paper Ballots, Tracking, Proof of Residency for 2024 Election

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued Executive Order 35 to enhance election security in the state. The order aims to protect legal voters and ensure accurate vote counts through measures such as stringent ballot security, comprehensive testing of counting machines, and rigorous maintenance of voter lists. Youngkin emphasized the importance of counting every legal vote and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, stating that the Virginia model for election security is effective and nonpartisan. Key features of the order include the use of 100% paper ballots, strict chain of custody protocols, and the prohibition of internet-connected voting machines. The state also monitors drop boxes continuously and verifies voter identity using data from the DMV and other trusted sources. Over the past two years, Virginia has removed nearly 80,000 deceased voters and 6,303 noncitizens from its voter rolls. The executive order mandates annual certification of election security improvements and outlines procedures for addressing illegal voter registrations. Youngkin's administration highlights that Virginia is one of only three states requiring full Social Security numbers for voter registration, further enhancing the security of the electoral process.

- Governor Youngkin's Executive Order 35 aims to strengthen election security in Virginia.

- The order includes measures like stringent ballot security and thorough testing of counting machines.

- Virginia uses 100% paper ballots and has strict protocols for monitoring drop boxes.

- The state has removed thousands of deceased voters and noncitizens from its voter rolls.

- The order mandates annual certification of election security improvements by the Department of Elections.