Northam signs bill to restrict local election authority

Legislation that will put heavy restrictions on localities changing election rules and open up the possibility of lawsuits was signed by Gov. Ralph Northam on Wednesday.

House Bill 1890 and Senate Bill 1395, which have been titled the “Voting Rights Act of Virginia,” will require that localities receive public comment or pre-approval from the attorney general’s office before making any voting changes. It also allows the attorney general to sue if he believes a policy is suppressing voter rights.