Measure to lengthen absentee and provisional ballot deadlines passes Virginia legislature

A bill advanced by State Del. Adele Y. McClure seeks to extend deadlines for absentee and provisional ballots, with the intention of giving voters additional time to comply with election requirements, as reported by the Virginia State House.

The legislation was approved by both chambers and officially enrolled as of March 11, 2026, following a House vote of 59-35 and a Senate vote of 22-18.

Labeled HB82 and introduced on Jan. 14, 2026, in the 2026 regular session, the bill was summarized by the legislature as: “Elections; deadline for receipt of absentee ballots and certain other information, etc.”

Below is a summary, based on the full bill text, with clarifications included for accuracy.

Essentially, the bill shifts several deadlines related to absentee and provisional ballots from noon to 5 p.m. on the third day following an election. Provisional voters are granted more time to provide required identification or a signed statement to the electoral board. Absentee ballots mailed on or before Election Day that arrive after polls close may now be counted if received by 5 p.m. on the third day. The legislation also allows voters additional time to fix issues with absentee ballot paperwork to ensure their ballots are counted.

In the House, 59 Democrats supported the legislation while 35 Republicans opposed it.

In the Senate, 21 Democrats along with 1 Republican voted in favor, with 18 Republicans voting against.

Del. Adele Y. McClure (Democrat-2nd District) was the sole sponsor of the bill.

McClure earned a BS from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011.

A Democrat, McClure was elected to the Virginia State House in 2024 to serve the 2nd House district, succeeding Candi King.

Virginia’s legislative process begins with a bill being introduced in the House of Delegates or Senate. Bills are then assigned for committee consideration and possible amendments. If a committee advances a bill, it moves to a floor vote in both chambers. Upon passage, the bill is sent to the governor, who may sign, veto, or allow it to become law without signature. The General Assembly holds regular sessions annually, starting on the second Monday of January, with lawmakers introducing hundreds of bills each year—though not all become law.

Details for this article were sourced from the Virginia State House. Access the original source data here.