Bill Text: VA SB191 | 2016 | Regular Session | Prefiled

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Bill Title: Voter referendum; independent redistricting commission.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2016-03-08 - Left in Privileges and Elections [SB191 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2016-SB191-Prefiled.html

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16101814D
SENATE BILL NO. 191 Offered January 13, 2016 Prefiled January 4, 2016 A BILL to provide for a statewide advisory referendum relating to the establishment of an independent redistricting commission in Virginia. ---------- Patron-- Miller ---------- Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. §1. It shall be the duty of the officers conducting the November 2016 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 the Virginia General Assembly adopt a resolution to propose an amendment to the Constitution of Virginia that would establish an independent redistricting commission to create and propose redistricting plans for House of Delegates, Senate of Virginia, and congressional districts?"

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.

The results of the referendum shall be advisory only.