Let Virginia voters cast early ballots

Could there be a better reason for allowing early voting in Virginia other than its potential to improve historically mediocre turnout rates?

How about this: More-flexible voting rules could reduce long lines and save the state money when turnout is really, really high - like what's expected next week.

For years, Virginia lawmakers have stubbornly refused to consider expanded voting schedules - even though 31 other states now permit early voting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In those states, voters may visit their local registrars' offices or satellite voting locations at grocery stores, shopping centers, schools and libraries to cast their ballots before Election Day. Early voting periods typically begin 10 to 14 days before the election.

About 12 percent of Georgia's 5.6 million registered voters have already gone to the polls in person or mailed in absentee ballots, according to The Associated Press. North Carolina attracted 214,000 people in the first two days of early voting. By stretching voting over a longer period, those states can potentially save money because they will need fewer voting machines and staff on Election Day.

In Virginia, polls are open only one day, Nov. 4. Those who wish to cast an absentee ballot must meet certain criteria. The list of qualifications for absentee voting has grown in recent years to 17 and now includes people whose work days and commutes total 11 or more hours, pregnant women and those with physical disabilities.

With a record-breaking 5 million Virginians registered to vote in this year's presidential election, state officials and local registrars are pleading with all voters who qualify to opt for absentee ballots, which can be cast in person or by mail. But officials are obligated to point out that eligibility is limited.

Many voters are taking advantage of absentee alternatives but in fewer numbers than in states with more-flexible early voting laws. Nearly 233,000 Virginians had been approved to vote absentee as of Oct. 20, and 110,352 had already mailed in their ballots, according to the State Board of Elections. Voters have until 5 p.m. Tuesday to apply.

This year's crush of new voters raises a critical question: Why should early voting be restricted if it helps elections run more smoothly and cheaply?

The state Senate passed a measure by a vote of 31-9 this year that would have allowed any registered voter to show up at a local registrar's office and vote early without giving a reason. Those seeking a mail-in ballot would still be required to meet the current criteria. The bill died in a House committee that has long opposed more-accessible voting laws.

It's too late this year to change the law. Voters who don't qualify for absentee ballots should be prepared to stand in line. While they're waiting, perhaps they should pen a note to their state delegates asking them to adopt more enlightened voting laws for the next Election Day.