Absentee voting in person; available the second and third Sunday before all elections.
This legislation expands voting access in Arlington and across Virginia by requiring local registrars to offer in-person absentee voting on the two Sundays preceding any election. Currently, while some jurisdictions provide weekend hours, this mandate ensures a uniform standard for early voting availability, specifically targeting those who may work traditional weekday schedules or have caretaking responsibilities that prevent voting on Saturdays. By opening these additional time slots, the bill aims to reduce long lines at polling locations on Election Day and provide more flexibility for voters to cast their ballots at their convenience. For residents, this change will likely result in increased participation rates and a more streamlined, accessible experience during the early voting period ahead of upcoming local, state, and federal contests.