Governor Youngkin Signs Executive Order to Enhance Voter List Maintenance in Virginia

Governor Glenn Youngkin signed Executive Order 31, introducing multi-agency data-sharing protocols to improve the accuracy and integrity of Virginia’s voter rolls. This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening voter list maintenance through enhanced data accuracy and interagency collaboration.

The new executive order mandates the Virginia Department of Elections to revise and update data-sharing agreements with multiple state agencies within the next 90 days. It also establishes an interagency work group to enhance the quality and security of voter registration data. The work group’s recommendations will guide the Department of Elections in developing and reviewing data-sharing standards for list maintenance processes.

In his announcement, Governor Youngkin emphasized the importance of accurate and transparent data use among state agencies. “Today, I am issuing this Executive Order to ensure the accurate, transparent, and reliable use of data among state agencies, aiming to achieve best-in-class voter list maintenance processes for the Commonwealth,” he stated. “As we transition to a new statewide voter registration system, it is imperative that every state agency provides accurate and valid data. This Executive Order continues our improvements to list maintenance processes, providing a reliable election system for voters.”

This executive order builds on several measures already implemented by the administration to enhance voter list maintenance. These measures include:

• One-to-One Data-Sharing Agreements: Establishing agreements with seven states to ensure accurate voter data exchange.
• National Change of Address Mailings: Two mailings will be conducted to update voter addresses.
• Removal of Deceased Voters: Streamlining the process for removing deceased individuals from voter rolls through a comprehensive audit of Virginia’s deceased records.

These initiatives aim to create a more reliable and secure voter registration system for the Commonwealth of Virginia. By leveraging accurate data from various state agencies, the administration aims to ensure that voter rolls are consistently up-to-date and reflect accurate voter information.

Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 31 marks a significant step towards modernizing and securing the voter registration process in Virginia, ensuring that the state maintains a transparent and trustworthy electoral system.