I want to voice my opposition and the opposition of the 11th Congressional District Democratic Committee of Virginia to the proposed changes in Virginia Election Rules as they relate to absentee ballots.

The proposal will give local election officials too much subjective latitude in determining the validity of absentee ballots. In effect, absentee ballots could be rejected due to poor penmanship.  Experts have suggested that this proposal and other similar proposals in other states with Republican governors could have the effect of suppressing the votes of minorities, seniors, and younger voters.

I urge you to reject the proposed changes in how absentee ballots are considered.