Overview
- Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee called on Senate Democrats to add a prohibition on ICE presence near polling places to the upcoming appropriations bill, describing it as a must-have provision.
- Virginia Del. Alfonso H. Lopez introduced HB1442 to bar anyone from enforcing federal immigration laws within 40 feet of polling places, election board meetings, and recount facilities.
- A DHS spokesperson said the agency is not planning operations targeting polls but noted ICE would still conduct intelligence-driven arrests if a dangerous individual is encountered near a voting site.
- Republican leaders argue the Virginia proposal conflicts with the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause and federal immigration statutes, and they accuse Democrats of trying to shield noncitizen voting.
- Virginia Democrats also advanced election measures to extend the absentee ballot receipt deadline by three days and to limit hand-counting of paper ballots except where authorized by law.