HD18 - Review of the State Board of Elections


Executive Summary:
House Joint Resolution No. 51 (1998) directed the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study the State Board of Elections, including the relationship of the State Board with the local registrars, and the automated system used to maintain the registered voters list. This report presents the findings and recommendations related to management of the State Board, interaction of the Board and the registrars, and the Virginia Voter Registration System.

Management of the State Board of Elections has both internal and external components. This review found that both internal management and external support of the registrars are weak. Weak management has had a significant impact on the operations of the agency, which is evidenced by poor internal communications, a lack of discipline, and the failure of the State Board to carry out its statutory duties. The State Board has also not provided training to local elections officials and has failed to approve new voting equipment. As a result, the registrars reported being dissatisfied with the support provided by the Board.

This review also found cause for concern about the maintenance of the registered voters list. Information from the State Police and the Department of Health used by the State Board appears to be inaccurate in some instances, and the process used by the State Board to remove felons and the deceased may be inadequate.

In addition, the review found that the current automated system is inadequate to support the State Board and the local registrars. A new system which uses modern equipment, a high-speed network, and an improved database design will enhance the ability of registrars to ensure that the registered voters list is accurate. Proposals now being considered by the State Board appear to address the concerns identified in this report.