Why 4/5: It directly expands the operational requirements for election officials and increases voter access for all future elections.
This bill would require election officials to open in-person absentee voting locations for at least five hours on the second and third Sundays before all elections. This operational change would provide voters with additional weekend opportunities to cast their ballots early.
Update
Passed by temporarily
Update
Floor offered Delegate Price Amendment
Amendment rejected
committee amendment rejected
Amendment adopted
Delegate Price Floor amendment agreed to
Update
Engrossed by House as amended
Passed a chamber
Passed House with amendment (62-Y 35-N 0-A)
Amendment adopted
House amendment agreed to by Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB438ER)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Absentee voting in person; available the second and third Sunday before all elections.”) · Read the actual bill →
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Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB438)
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 945 (effective 7/1/2026)