2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101436D

HOUSE BILL NO. 968

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend and reenact § 24.2-654 of the Code of Virginia, relating to election results; counting machine-readable ballots.

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Patron—Price

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Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 24.2-654 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 24.2-654. Officers to lock and seal voting equipment and ascertain vote after polls closed; statement of results.

As soon as the polls are closed, the officers of election shall lock each voting and counting machine against further voting. They shall then proceed to ascertain the vote given at the election and continue without adjournment until they declare the results of the election. They shall seal the machines.

In ascertaining the vote, the officers of election shall complete a statement of results in duplicate on the form and in the manner prescribed by the State Board.

In ascertaining the vote, the officers of election shall use ballot scanner machines to count machine-readable ballots and shall not count machine-readable ballots by hand for any reason or purpose not specifically authorized for by law.