The Arlington elections office is likely to make use of new state legislation permitting localities to outsource printing, assembling and mailing absentee ballots for future elections.
A measure patroned by state Sen. John Bell (D-Broadlands) gives local election office that flexibility, subject to oversight by the Virginia Department of Elections. It passed the Senate, 27-12, and the House of Delegates, 70-30, during the 2021 special session, and was signed by Gov. Northam on March 13.
Arlington director of elections Gretchen Reinemeyer said putting together absentee-ballot mailings, particularly given the sheer volume of them currently, is “a very labor-intensive process.”
As to the new bill? “It might reduce cost; it definitely will reduce the workload on our office,” Reinemeyer told Electoral Board members.
