Some Democrats miss the primary ballot, House Republicans field a historical number of candidates, and U of R is experiencing strong pushback against racist building names
The latest in Virginia politics
McAuliffe, Ayala and Jones win ballot-order drawing
The State Board of Elections (SBE) met Wednesday to draw names to determine the order of candidates on the ballot for the June 8 Democratic primary elections.
Typically in Virginia, the ballot order is determined by when candidates turn in their signature petitions to the Department of Elections. But, due to COVID-19 protocols, candidates were allowed to submit their signature petitions simultaneously at noon on March 8 without fear of missing out on a chance at the top ballot spot.
Democratic gubernatorial candidates Jennifer Carroll Foy, Terry McAuliffe and Jennifer McClellan all submitted their signatures simultaneously, leaving it up to the SBE to determine the order. There were also five simultaneous lieutenant governor candidates and two attorney general candidates.
An official from the Department of Elections (DoE) drew names Wednesday to determine the order of the simultaneous candidates. The process was simple, they announced the name, displayed the paper with the name on it for the camera, placed the paper into a small container, then placed the small container into a larger bowl.
Eventually, after putting each name into the bowl, Saunders pulled former-Governor Terry McAuliffe’s name first. Then state Senator Jennifer McClellan’s name was drawn second and former-Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy’s third. Delegate Lee Carter and Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax will also be on the ballot, but their signatures were submitted later than the first three candidates.
In the race for lieutenant governor, where name recognition is much lower than at the top of the ticket, securing the top spot on the ballot can be the extra boost for that candidate. There were five simultaneous Democratic candidates, with Del. Hala Ayala winning the top spot, Del. Sam Rasoul in second, Norfolk City Councilor Andria McClellan third, Del. Elizabeth Guzman fourth and activist Sean Perryman fifth. Del. Mark Levine, Paul Goldman and Xavier Warren will also be on the ballot.
In the attorney general race, both Democratic candidates simultaneously turned in their signatures. Del. Jay Jones will appear first with two-term incumbent Mark Herring in second.
McAuliffe, the statistical frontrunner for the nomination with nearly universal name ID in the state did not need the top spot on the ballot as much as the other candidates, so the positive impact will likely do very little for his campaign on primary day.
For the other two races, however, the potential impact of the ballot order is unclear. There is no clear front runner in the lieutenant governor race with and there have been zero public polls released — leaving money as the only real gauge of momentum for any of the eight Democratic candidates. The latest fundraising reports will be released on April 15.
The two-candidate attorney general race is the complete opposite when comparing the number of candidates. There is a clear front runner in Herring, but Jones recently picking up the coveted endorsement of Governor Ralph Northam was a boost for his campaign. Getting the top spot on the ballot provides does nothing but benefit Jones as he challenges an incumbent that has already won statewide twice.
Relatively speaking, primary voters are often more engaged and attentive to politics compared to the average person. This could potentially eliminate some of the benefits of being first on the ballot. “Studies suggest that ballot order can affect voter preferences,” said Richard Meagher, associate professor of political science at Randolph Macon College. “But this effect is much more prominent in races with low information and attention.”
The candidates have less than 70 days to convince Democrats across Virginia that they are the best nominee to run statewide in November. Republicans will be choosing their statewide candidates with an unassembled, remote voting convention on May 8.
Several Democratic House candidates missed an important deadline to be on the primary ballot
The State Board of Elections declined Wednesday to grant an extension for eight Democratic House of Delegates candidates who failed to turn in the proper paperwork to appear on the June 8 primary ballot.
Several candidates spoke in front of the board on Wednesday to make their case for the extension. Matt Rogers, who is primarying Patrick Hope (D) in House District 47, and Richmond City Councilor Michael Jones, who is primarying Betsy Carr (D) in House District 69, both pleaded with the committee to grant an extension. Other House candidates that missed the deadline include Julie Perry, Jordan Gray, Sarah Deitz, Randall Wolf, Caitlyn Coakley and Cindy Neville.
Delegate Ibraheem Samirah would make the ninth addition to the list, but the Department of Elections allegedly received his paperwork today with a postmark prior to the deadline. The staff was not able to review the materials prior to the meeting, but the board treated him like a candidate on Wednesday on the condition that if his paperwork fails to comply with the requirements, his name will be removed from the ballot. “We have documentation that will prove we followed the steps by USPS Certified Mail as requested and it was delivered this morning at 11:02,” said a spokesperson for Samirah Wednesday after the meeting.
While the board was considering the extension, Chris Piper, the commissioner of the Department of Elections (DoE), commended his staff for the work have been doing this year — noting that he believes the candidates did not miss the filing deadline due to a lack of effort from the DoE to inform all of the candidates of the requirements.
When the time arrived for a motion to be made for a vote to grant an extension, no such action was taken. With no vote, there is no extension.
The candidates have not given up hope yet, however, as this debate will likely spill over into the court system — especially since an extension was granted in 2020 for candidates that failed to turn in the proper paperwork to appear on the November ballot. Republican congressional candidates Nick Freitas and Bob Good were on the list of candidates that needed and were eventually granted an extension last year.
Rogers plans to continue campaigning while he figures out his next steps. “I am continuing to talk with voters here in the 47th District to give the people of Arlington a choice as I have since last June when I first filed my paperwork in a proper and timely fashion despite unprecedented times in our country,” Rogers said in an interview Wednesday night. “I am exploring all options and fully intend to be on the ballot.”
Jones blamed the Richmond City registrar for the problem. “Obstacles such as these shouldn’t be placed in front of candidates,” Jones said in a statement Wednesday. “We asked the right questions, went to election officials in the registrar’s office and were told that our filing was intact. In lieu of the tone of today’s SBE meeting, to learn that incumbents were notified by the DPVA of incomplete paperwork on March 24th further exemplifies the need for transparency and equity standards within our election process.”
It is not the responsibility of the local registrar to collect or forward these documents for candidates, however. The documentation is due to the Department of Elections for General Assembly and statewide elections, with no mechanism in place for registrars to be a delivery service.
“We are going to investigate the extensions granted to candidates in the past which have not been granted to us at this time and examine equity within the decision making process,” Jones continued in his statement Wednesday night. “The needs of our community are great and it is truly disheartening to see that the registered voters who signed our circulated petition may not have their voices heard.”
The Democratic primary election will take place on June 8.
Members of University of Richmond community disaffiliate, suspend public operations - The Collegian UR
By Meredith Moran and Morgan Howland
Disaffiliation is defined by the Black Student Coalition statement as “ceasing involvement with any university task forces, student organizations, and fundraising” with the goal of disaffiliation being to “cease all uncompensated, extracurricular, public-facing work and programming (public programming being defined as any meeting, activity, or event open to students, faculty, or staff) which UR is in turn able to publicize and profit off of."
The Black Student Coalition originally called for Black seniors and other seniors wishing to act in solidarity to disaffiliate from campus organizations on April 1 if the demands were not met, and for other undergraduate students to disaffiliate on April 15, according to the statement. Following the Board of Trustee's announcement on March 17 stating that Mitchell-Freeman and Ryland halls would not be renamed to remove Freeman and Ryland's names from the buildings -- the first of the statement's three demands -- the Black Student Coalition moved the date of disaffiliation up to March 25.
Continue reading to see the list of more than 90 UR organizations that have posted messages about organization-specific disaffiliation plans, or posted letters of support for the Black Student Coalition on Instagram.
Officer's killing of Black man illustrates differences in Democratic attorney general candidates - Richmond Times-Dispatch
by Patrick Wilson
The fatal shooting of a Black man by a Virginia Beach police officer over the weekend has highlighted a policy difference in how the Democratic candidates for attorney general would handle police reform.
Attorney General Mark Herring, who is seeking a third term, issued a statement Tuesday saying he backs a Virginia State Police investigation into the death of Donovon W. Lynch by a police officer who for unclear reasons had not activated his body camera. Such investigations of police shootings by state police at the request of local law enforcement agencies are routine.
House Republicans Field Historic Number of Candidates for 2021
With filing deadlines for primaries now past, House Republicans excitedly announced that we will have a historic number of Republican candidates this fall.
House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert issued the following statement:
"After two years of one-party rule in Richmond, it's clear that Virginians are ready for change. This year we're fielding the most candidates we have in at least a quarter century. A minimum of 87 districts will have a Republican on the ballot. And we're not done yet. The House Republican Caucus is working with the Republican Party of Virginia and local units every day to find quality challengers for the remaining 13 districts that don't yet have a Republican challenger.
"Our slate of candidates will be one of the most diverse we've ever fielded, including 19 Republican women, and will represent Virginians from all walks of life. They all share our commitment to common-sense, conservative principles including safe neighborhoods, good jobs, and a refocus on our children’s education.
"I want to thank Del. Terry Kilgore and Del. Emily Brewer, as well as the Republican Party of Virginia, for their hard work ensuring voters across Virginia will have a real choice this November. I'm truly proud of the work they've done in finding candidates all across our Commonwealth.
"Wayne Gretzky said it well: you miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take. We're not going to let a single opportunity to end one-party rule go to waste. There's too much at stake."
Northam announced support of the Voting Rights Act, only amends one technical aspect and sends it back to legislature for another vote
Governor Northam announced on Wednesday that he supports the Voting Rights Act legislation, a comprehensive bill that provides protections against voter suppression, discrimination, or intimidation.
The legislation is sponsored by Delegate Marcia Price (D) and state Senator Jennifer McClellan.
“At a time when voting rights are under attack across our country, Virginia is expanding access to the ballot box, not restricting it,” said Governor Northam. “With the Voting Rights Act of Virginia, our Commonwealth is creating a model for how states can provide comprehensive voter protections that strengthen democracy and the integrity of our elections. I am proud to support this historic legislation, and I urge Congress to follow Virginia’s example.”
The changes that the governor made to the bill are minor and technical — the language in the bill originally said "covered jurisdiction" but the bill actually covers all localities. Northam’s office made the changes in the language to clarify that.
The bill is expected to pass again, easily. The General Assembly meets again for the veto session on April 7.
This is what it's like to run for governor with twin toddlers ― during a pandemic - NBC News
by Natalie Johnson
When Jennifer Carroll Foy announced she was pregnant with twins during her 2017 campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates, critics told her to drop out. Her opponent had already out-fundraised her by a steep margin, and she was attempting to flip a historically-red district blue. Some argued there was no way she could pick up the lead while serving as a public defender ― all while carrying not one, but two babies.
But Carroll Foy is used to proving naysayers wrong.
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As eviction moratorium is extended, renters and landlords face continued uncertainty
Va. ends 10-year Medicaid work requirement for legal immigrants
Northam seeks money for marijuana legalization, backs off confrontation with assembly on U.S. aid
Northam signs more legislation into law
Governor Northam signed a large slate of bills into law Wednesday as he was forced to act on the bills prior to midnight.
In total, Governor Northam took action on 552 bills and did not veto any legislation from the 2021 special session. Here are the latest pieces of legislation that he signed into law:
House Bill 1889, sponsored by Delegate Marcia Price, extends eviction protections for renters experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic through July 1, 2022.
House Bill 1930, sponsored by Delegate Lashrecse Aird, prohibits public institutions of higher education from asking about an individuals’ criminal record during the application process. The new law also prohibits colleges and universities from denying admission based on criminal history.
House Bill 1980, sponsored by Delegate David Reid, establishes the “Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship and Memorial Program” to support the families of enslaved individuals who labored at Virginia colleges.
House Bill 2081, sponsored by Delegate Mark Levine, prohibits the possession of firearms within 40 feet of a polling place or electoral board meeting to certify the results of an election.
House Bill 2075, sponsored by Delegate Joshua Cole, designates U.S. Route 1 as “Emancipation Highway.” Route 1 is currently named “Jefferson Davis Highway” in several parts of Virginia.
House Bill 2132, sponsored by Delegate Danica Roem, eliminates the outdated and discriminatory “gay panic” defense.
House Bill 2137, sponsored by Delegate Elizabeth Guzman, requires employers to provide paid sick leave to home health workers. This new law also prohibits employers from taking certain retaliatory actions against employees who use leave.
House Bill 2161, sponsored by Delegate Kathy Tran, and Senate Bill 1410, sponsored by Senator John Bell, prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and housing on the basis of a person’s military status.
Senate Bill 1122, sponsored by Senator Bill Stanley, repeals the remaining provisions of the Habitual Offender Act. This will allow more than 13,000 people to obtain driver’s licenses.
Senate Bill 1138, sponsored by Senator Mamie Locke, updates several outdated criminal laws related to people living with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The reforms reflect contemporary public health knowledge and help to de-stigmatize these diseases.
Senate Bill 1261, sponsored by Senator John Edwards, provides for an appeal of right in every civil case and expands the Virginia Court of Appeals from 11 to 17 judges.
Senate Bill 1303, sponsored by Senator Siobhan Dunnavant, requires school divisions offer in-person learning consistent with public health guidelines, in accordance with the constitutional authority of school divisions, and while prioritizing the safety of students, teachers, and staff. All of Virginia’s 132 school divisions are currently offering in-person learning options or have approved plans to do so.
Senate Bill 1310, sponsored by Senator Jennifer McClellan, House Bill 2032, sponsored by Delegate Wendy Gooditis, and House Bill 1864, sponsored by Delegate Marcia Price, ensure that domestic workers are covered by employee protections, fair pay laws, and the Virginia Human Rights Act.
Governor Northam proposed changes to the following bills:
House Bill 1899, sponsored by Delegate Sally Hudson, and Senate Bill 1252, sponsored by Senator Jeremy McPike, ends the Coal Employment and Production Incentive Tax Credit and Coalfield Employment Enhancement Tax Credit after tax year 2021. The Governor’s amendments set the goal of dedicating the anticipated savings to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in Southwest Virginia, for the expansion of course offerings in data science, computer science, and renewable energy.
House Bill 1992, sponsored by Delegate Kathleen Murphy, aligns Virginia to federal law by prohibiting individuals who have been convicted of assaulting a family member from possessing or purchasing a firearm. The Governor’s amendments clarify that this prohibition applies to individuals in a domestic partnership and extends the period of prohibition from three years to five years.
House Bill 2031, sponsored by Delegate Lashrecse Aird, prohibits local law enforcement agencies and campus police departments from purchasing or using facial recognition technology unless expressly permitted by the General Assembly. The Governor’s amendment corrects a technical error and ensures airports are exempt from these provisions, as intended.
House Bill 2038, sponsored by Delegate Don Scott, limits when a court can impose incarceration for a probation or suspended sentence violation. Governor Northam amended the bill to ensure that a defendant who absconds or has outstanding restitution obligations remain on probation.
House Bill 2113, sponsored by Majority Leader Charniele Herring, and Senate Bill 1339, sponsored by Senator Scott Surovell, create a process for the automatic sealing of criminal records and for petition based sealing. The Governor’s amendment empowers state agencies to begin this process prior to 2025, as infrastructure allows.
House Bill 2138, sponsored by Delegate Elizabeth Guzman, allows undocumented Virginians to receive an identification card. The Governor’s amendment is technical.
House Bill 2295, sponsored by Delegate Mark Levine, and Senate Bill 1381, sponsored by Senator Adam Ebbin, prohibit firearms in Capitol Square, Virginia State Capitol, and state-owned buildings. The Governor’s proposed amendment would provide an exemption for magistrates.
Governor Northam proposed 18 amendments to House Bill 1800, the Commonwealth’s budget. The majority of the Governor’s budget amendments are language only and include measures to ensure flexibility in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, protect federal stimulus checks from debt-collectors, and move the corporate income tax reporting date from June 1, 2021 to July 1, 2021. The Governor is also proposing $250,000 for an independent review of the Office of the State Inspector General’s investigation of the Virginia Parole Board’s release of Vincent Martin.