The General Registrar’s primary statutory responsibility is for voter registration in a locality. This includes ensuring access for citizens to register to vote, processing voter registration applications, maintaining accurate records, and verifying the accuracy of poll books. Va. Code § 24.2-114. However, they play a considerable role in supporting the Electoral Board in many parts of the pre- and post-election process. “PW Interview.”
Prior to the election, the General Registrar will often assist the Electoral Board on some logistical matters. More than a third of respondents to our survey of Registrars indicated that their Electoral Boards give them full discretion to handle training. ”2023 ID VA Survey.” Separately, more than half have the discretion to make decisions about ordering ballots (e.g., quantity of ballots). ”2023 ID VA Survey.”
One key post-election responsibility of the General Registrar is supporting the review of provisional ballots. In some localities, the General Registrar and his or her staff will conduct research that enables them to sort provisional ballots by eligibility on a preliminary basis. ”2023 ID VA Survey” (when asked “[w]ho is involved in making preliminary decisions on provisional ballot eligibility?” more than a third of respondents indicated the General Registrar, while a little more than a tenth credited election staff.) This information is then reviewed by the Electoral Board which then makes a determination as to a voter’s eligibility. “Preparing Canvas.”
There is one General Registrar per county or city, appointed to a four-year term. The current term began on July 1, 2023, though a Registrar may continue to serve until a replacement is appointed and qualified. Va. Code § 24.2-110. Registrars can, and often do, serve multiple terms. Laukaitis.
The contains information on General Registrars and other key individuals in those offices in Virginia’s 133 jurisdictions.
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