(CNN) Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Sunday that he signed a series of new measures into law aimed at expanding access to voting in the commonwealth.
The new legislation will establish Election Day as a holiday, remove the requirement that voters show a photo ID prior to casting a ballot and, expand early voting to be allowed 45 days before an election without a stated reason.
"Voting is a fundamental right, and these new laws strengthen our democracy by making it easier to cast a ballot, not harder," Northam said in a statement. "No matter who you are or where you live in Virginia, your voice deserves to be heard. I'm proud to sign these bills into law."
Several states and cities have already made Election Day a civic holiday, including Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky and New York. State offices typically close, though it depends on the state whether employees are entitled to paid time off to vote.
Proponents say making Election Day a holiday could improve voter turnout. But Election Day may not become a federal holiday anytime soon -- it's drawn deep division along party lines.
415Legend on April 12nd, 2020 at 21:09 UTC »
Agreed. I don't care if it's part of a racist "heritage and culture" they are always talking about.
RespectThyHypnotoad on April 12nd, 2020 at 20:33 UTC »
Virgina is on a roll these days, thanks to all the voters who came out and made a difference.
Pariah_0 on April 12nd, 2020 at 20:15 UTC »
Why is Election Day not a national holiday?? Oh right, because voter suppression.