Last week, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 35, saying it would “protect the casting of legal ballots by legally eligible voters in Virginia’s elections”. But what actually changes with the order and what impact will it have on Lunenburg elections?

First off, let’s go over what Youngkin is ordering. He’s calling for 100% paper ballots, providing a physical record of the voter’s intent. He requires counties use paper ballot counting machines, rather than computerized voting machines. His order calls for a strict chain of custody for ballots, where people are able to identify who had them at all times. Also, counting machines can’t be connected to the internet and must be tested before every election. Drop boxes must be under 24/7 monitoring and in order to get a mail ballot, you have to send in an application.

Basically, the Virginia Department of Elections will have to check with each county and confirm that these steps are being followed, before reporting back to Youngkin.

“The intent of the order is to gain confirmation and reassure the public that we are doing what is necessary to protect the vote so that every legal vote can be counted, and we can have confidence in the results (after certification),” said Alissa Baldwin. She serves as General Registrar for Lunenburg County. “The Governor’s Executive Order 35 sets forth expectations for the Commonwealth of Virginia that we value election security as a pillar of democracy. To that end, Governor Youngkin is seeking confirmation from Commissioner Beals of the listed items to ensure we can maintain public trust in providing safe, secure, free, and fair elections in Virginia.”

The good news is that here in Lunenburg, Baldwin said, nothing changes, as all of that is already part of the process.

“We already have such processes and procedures in place, and I expect ELECT will provide timely notice of those security measures in accordance with EO35,” Baldwin said. “Lunenburg County will continue to abide by established laws and regulations, doing our part to maintain accurate records, chain of custody for sensitive election materials, secure election equipment, etc.”

DOESN’T HURT TO BE TRANSPARENT

Baldwin added that she was glad to see the order go out, because it’ll help give people confidence that everything is working correctly. That’s something which recently came under fire in the Congressional 5th District primary and recount fight, with U.S. Rep. Bob Good claiming multiple issues in both the City of Lynchburg and Buckingham County. However, no issues were ever confirmed and the recount of the votes, held Aug. 1 across the 5th District, gave the same result, with Virginia State Sen. John McGuire winning 31,586 to Good’s 31,216. Overall, McGuire gained three votes in the recount, while Good added seven.

In his order, Youngkin pointed out that between January 2022 and July 2024, state election officials also purged 6,303 non-citizens from the voter rolls across the Commonwealth.

“The recent Executive Order may not change the day-to-day operations since we are already doing those tasks, but it never hurts to be transparent with the public,” Baldwin said. “I am glad it gives us the opportunity to educate the public about the election systems and safeguards in place, and even recruit poll workers and poll watchers to become part of the process on the front lines.”

And that’s something needed as we approach the beginning of early voting for this year’s election. Residents can sign up to be poll workers by calling the registrar’s office here in Lunenburg at 434-696-3071 or dropping by at 160 Courthouse Square. The first day of early voting, both here and across the Commonwealth, is on Friday, Sept. 20.

And this will be a big election, as most presidential races are, meaning there will be a need for more poll workers to help answer questions. In addition to the presidential election, we’ll also be voting for U.S. Senate, the 5th District race in the U.S. House, the Kenbridge town council, the Kenbridge mayor, the Victoria town council and Victoria mayor. Baldwin said if people have questions, she’s happy to answer them.

“My office is always available to answer questions and involve interested citizens in our mission to promote democracy and public trust as we endeavor to ensure fair and impartial elections,” Baldwin said.