Virus prompts drop in new voter registrations in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. — Fewer new voters are registering to vote in Virginia because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that new voter registrations are significantly lower compared with the two most recent presidential elections, For instance, June experienced a 40% drop in the number of new voters compared to June 2016. That’s according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

June’s numbers were actually a slight rebound from the low numbers reported in May and April. Numbers have been ticking up as Department of Motor Vehicles centers have reopened. They are a primary location for voter registration. The virus has also stopped voter registration efforts like door-to-door canvassing.

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