Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 1131: Elections; identification containing a photograph required and excuse required to vote absentee.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 1131 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 14, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Elections; identification containing a photograph required and excuse required to vote absentee. Primary sponsor: Tim Griffin (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Committee Privileges and Elections.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Elections; identification containing a photograph required and excuse required to vote absentee. Requires the last four digits of a voter's social security number and presentation of a form of identification containing a photograph in order to vote. The bill repeals the provisions of law permitting a voter who does not have one of the required forms of identification to vote after signing a statement, subject to felony penalties for false statements, that he is the named registered voter he claims to be. Instead, the bill provides that such voter is entitled to cast a provisional ballot. The bill also requires a registered voter to provide a reason for being absent or unable to vote at his polling place on election day in order to receive an absentee ballot to vote by mail. Registered voters offering to vote absentee in person are similarly required by the bill to provide a reason until the second Saturday immediately preceding an election, at which time an excuse is not required to vote absentee in person. The bill provides that an application for an absentee ballot is required to receive an absentee ballot by mail and to vote absentee in person before the second Saturday immediately preceding an election. The bill also repeals the permanent absentee voter list and limits the special annual application to those voters with an illness or disability.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Griffin | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 53 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Left in Committee Privileges and Elections
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1131)
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1131)
- Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (6-Y 2-N)
- Assigned HPE sub: Voting Rights
- Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104944D