In a move to enhance the security of Virginia’s voting process, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has issued Executive Order 35, which mandates new procedures designed to protect the integrity of the 2024 presidential election. The new measures, which include the use of paper ballots and strict voter verification protocols, have already stirred debate, particularly among left-leaning groups.
Youngkin announced the executive order on Wednesday, emphasizing its importance for all voters. “This isn’t a Democrat or Republican issue, it’s an American and Virginian issue,” Youngkin stated on social media. “Every legal vote deserves to be counted.”
The executive order mandates that all votes be cast using paper ballots, which will be accompanied by a documented chain of custody to ensure transparency. These ballots will be counted by machines that are not connected to the internet, minimizing the risk of cyber threats.
Additionally, the order requires cross-referencing voters’ Social Security numbers and DMV records to confirm their identity, with the same verification process applied to absentee ballots. It also includes provisions to remove non-citizens, including illegal immigrants, from voter rolls if they are found to be registered.
“We verify the legal presence and identity of voters using DMV data and other trusted data sources,” Youngkin explained. “This process updates our voter rolls daily, ensuring that only eligible voters are included.”
This latest effort is part of Youngkin’s broader campaign to secure Virginia’s elections, addressing lingering concerns from the 2020 presidential election. Although the 2020 election was widely described as secure, many voters have continued to express doubts, particularly regarding mail-in ballots and other non-traditional voting methods.
Youngkin’s measures are expected to face resistance, similar to the pushback seen when Georgia implemented its Election Integrity Act in 2021. That law sparked a national debate and led to legal challenges and boycotts by major corporations.
Despite the anticipated backlash, Youngkin’s executive order is seen as a significant step toward ensuring that Virginia’s elections are conducted fairly and transparently. With the 2024 election fast approaching, the new ballot security measures aim to restore voter confidence and protect the integrity of the democratic process.
