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2021 SESSION

21100832D
HOUSE BILL NO. 1746
Offered January 13, 2021
Prefiled December 3, 2020
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 24.2-655.1, relating to conduct of elections; vote counting; required live video recording.
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Patrons-- Cole, M.L., Batten, Byron, Fowler, Freitas, LaRock, Marshall, Miyares, Orrock, Walker, Webert, Wiley, Wright and Wyatt; Senators: Chase, Kiggans, Stanley and Stuart
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Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 24.2-655.1 as follows:

§ 24.2-655.1. Required live video recording of vote counting.

The general registrar of each county and city shall provide for a live video recording of each polling place while the absentee ballots are cast, votes are counted, and returns are completed and each central absentee precinct while ballots are being handled and returns are processed. The live video recording shall include date and time indicators and shall be linked to the official website of the county or city. The Department of Elections shall post links on its official website to the video coverage for viewing by the public. The general registrar of each county and city shall ensure the video coverage is recorded and shall retain such recordings until the deadline to request a recount has passed and, if any contest or recount is pending thereafter, until it has been concluded. The chief election officer in each polling place shall not be liable for any disruption of the live video feed but shall attempt to reinstate the video coverage as soon as practicable. Any disruption in video coverage shall not affect or prevent the continued casting of absentee ballots, counting of votes, or completion of returns, and shall not be grounds for contesting the election pursuant to Article 2 (§ 24.2-803 et seq.) of Chapter 8.