Problems with Virginia’s online voter registration portal this week prompted a federal judge to extend a voter registration deadline to Friday, October 21, 2016.
The Virginia Department of Elections has expanded hours in the wake of the ruling.
From Gov. Terry McAuliffe:
“I am pleased that the court has agreed with the request to extend Virginia’s voter registration period after unprecedented web traffic prevented many people from completing their registrations online before the original deadline. The Commonwealth will fully comply with the court’s order and extend our registration process online, in-person and through the mail.
“The Virginia Department of Elections and the Virginia Information Technology Agency have been working overtime since Monday night to expand the capacity of the system that allows Virginians to register to vote online, and I am confident that the steps we have taken will provide an improved experience to people who use it.
“However, I do want to urge Virginians who are interested in registering to vote to act as quickly as possible and, if they are able, to take advantage of all of the available ways to register to vote during this period, including visiting a local registrar’s office or a Department of Motor Vehicles office.
“Additionally, in the event that there are unexpected technology issues, we urge Virginians to contact the Department of Elections and indicate that they are attempting to register, so that staff can follow up and ensure that they make it through the process.
Local politicians reacted on Twitter:
Good news: voter registration in Va. has been extended until midnight this Friday! Make sure you are registered: https://t.co/x5QAeQWeOt
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) October 20, 2016
Virginia voter registration deadline has been extended to FRIDAY at midnight by the federal court. Get the word out!
— (((Scott Surovell))) (@ssurovell) October 20, 2016
