Absentee voting bills clear Virginia Senate

Two measures that would make it easier for people to vote using absentee ballots cleared the Virginia Senate Monday.

A bill introduced by Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, that would allow residents to vote absentee for any reason was approved 24-14. Voters currently have to meet one of about a dozen requirements to vote absentee, such as if they’re out of town or are unable to make it to the polls because of disability, illness, or pregnancy.