SB371:

Elections, State Board of; expands membership, appointment of Commissioner of Elections.

Bill Summary:

State Board of Elections; membership; appointment of Commissioner of Elections. Exempts the Department of Elections from provisions allowing the Governor to appoint a chief deputy and a confidential assistant for policy or administration. The bill expands the membership of the State Board of Elections (the State Board) from five members to eight members with equal representation given to both parties. The bill requires the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia to designate a retired circuit court judge to serve as the tie breaker for the State Board. The bill also gives the State Board the authority and duty to appoint the Commissioner of Elections of the Department of Elections and requires an affirmative vote of five of the State Board's eight members for the appointment and removal of the Commissioner of Elections. In the event that a vacancy occurs in the office of the Commissioner of Elections, the bill provides that the Director of Operations of the Department of Elections will serve as the head of the agency until such vacancy is filled by the State Board. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2023.