Bill Text: VA HB1381 | 2018 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Voter referendum; independent redistricting commission.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 11-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-02-13 - Left in Privileges and Elections [HB1381 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HB1381-Introduced.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. §1. It shall be the duty of the officers conducting the November 2018 general election, at the places appointed for holding the same, to open a poll and take the sense of the qualified voters on the question stated below. The State Board of Elections shall have notice of the referendum published at least twice, the first publication being at least 45 days before the election, in one or more newspapers designated by the State Board of Elections that collectively circulate throughout the Commonwealth.
The ballots to be used at the election shall pose the question in substantially the following form:
QUESTION: "Should there be an independent redistricting commission established in Virginia for the purpose of drawing the district maps for the House of Delegates, Senate of Virginia, and United States House of Representatives?"
The ballots shall be prepared, distributed, and voted, and the results thereof ascertained and certified, in the manner prescribed by Title 24.2 of the Code of Virginia. The State Board of Elections shall comply with §30-19.10 of the Code of Virginia and shall cause to be sent to the electoral board of each county and city sufficient copies of the question contained herein and a neutral explanation of the question for the officers of election to post in each polling place on election day.
The electoral board of each county and city shall make out, certify, and forward an abstract of the votes cast for and against the question in the manner now prescribed by law in relation to votes cast in general elections.
The State Board of Elections shall open and canvass such abstracts and examine and report the whole number of votes cast at the election for and against the question in the manner now prescribed by law in relation to votes cast in general elections. The State Board of Elections shall announce the results of the referendum.
The expenses incurred in conducting this referendum shall be defrayed as in the case of other November general elections, except that if there is any other constitutional amendment or referendum on the ballot, the total expenses incurred shall be apportioned equally among each of the measures.
The results of the referendum shall be advisory only.
