Old Dominion News

Governor Glenn Youngkin has decided to withdraw Virginia from the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), a move that has drawn criticism from various quarters. ERIC is a voter data-sharing program aimed at improving the accuracy of voter rolls and increasing access to voter registration.

Lauren Coletta, senior advisor for Common Cause Virginia, expressed her disapproval of the decision. "This decision undermines efforts to maintain accurate voter rolls and ensure fair elections," she stated.

Virginia was one of the founding members of ERIC, which was established to help states share information about voters who have moved or died, thereby maintaining cleaner and more accurate voter lists. The program also aims to identify eligible but unregistered voters and encourage them to register.

Critics argue that withdrawing from ERIC could lead to less accurate voter rolls and potentially disenfranchise voters. Supporters of the withdrawal contend that it is necessary for protecting state sovereignty over election processes.

Governor Youngkin's office has not yet provided detailed reasons for the withdrawal but emphasized a commitment to secure and transparent elections in Virginia.