Politics

A judge in Virginia ordered a permanent ban on accepting ballots without postmarks after Election Day.

In a consent order dated January 13, 2021, signed by Judge William W. Eldridge IV, Presiding Judge of the Frederick County Circuit Court, the Virginia Board of Elections agreed to revise their regulations to bring them into compliance with Virginia law.

This week, efforts to curb indoor smoking in Virginia took a major step towards becoming law when the House of Delegates approved House Bill 1842 on a 72 to 27 bipartisan vote.  The measure introduced by Delegate Mark L. Keam (D-Fairfax) now heads to the State Senate for its consideration.

“As Virginians continue to shelter at home due to COVID, I hear from constituents who live in apartments or condos concerned that their neighbors who smoke are making things even worse for their physical and mental health,” said Del. Keam. “My bill offers new tools for property owners to tackle this public health issue by requiring smoking residents to stop second-hand toxins from spreading on their premises and harming neighbors.”

A 7 a.m. subcommittee discussion on the finer points of election administration isn’t normally the type of Virginia General Assembly meeting that leads to anger and hurt feelings.

A bill to allow Sunday hunting on public lands was dealt a swift death on the first day of the 2021 session by the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee.