NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Neighbors,

We have 60 days until the November 3 General Elections. Over the last several months, I have heard from many constituents worried about protecting their health while still being able to exercise their right to vote. Additionally, many constituents have also reached out to share concerns regarding proposed changes to the United States Postal Service. 

Voting absentee is safe and secure, and doing so will help to protect our public health during this pandemic. The General Assembly has passed legislation to help address concerns regarding returning absentee ballots through the mail, and you can find more information about this below. 

In about two weeks, absentee ballots will begin to be mailed out. You can request your absentee ballot now; to do this see https://www.elections.virginia.gov/. 

Below are updates regarding:

  • Special Legislative Session 

  • COVID-19 updates 

    • DMV credentials 

    • Support for Virginians facing evictions

    • Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning

  • Community updates

    • Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit public meeting

    • SmarTrip now available on iPhone and Apple Watch

    • 2020 Census reminder

As always, please let me know if I can be of assistance by calling my office at 804-698-1042 or by emailing me at DelKTran@house.virginia.gov. 

Best, Kathy

Delegate, 42nd District 

2020 Special Legislative Session

  • Legislation to make it easier to vote absentee has passed both the House of Delegates and Senate. The legislation is with Governor Northam for his review, and I expect he will sign the bill soon. The legislation would make the following changes for the upcoming November 3 General Election, and you can read about it here:

    • Allow voters to make corrections on incomplete or incorrect absentee ballot applications. 

    • Provide up to $2 million to localities to include pre-paid postage for absentee ballots mailed to voters. 

    • Establish regulations to require localities to set up absentee ballot drop-boxes.

  • These changes are in addition to new laws, which passed during the 2020 regular legislative session, that expand access to voting. As I have mentioned, these new laws include establishing no-excuse absentee voting and increasing the number of days that absentee ballots have to be received by the local registrar in order to be counted in the election.

COVID-19 UPDATED

DMV Credentials

  • The expiration date for many DMV-issued credentials that expire between August 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020 has been extended by 60 days. Also, the expiration date for many credentials expiring November 1, 2020 through November 29, 2020 has been extended to November 30, 2020. These extensions also apply to driver’s licenses.

  • Starting in mid-September, the DMV will offer a new option for renewing driver’s license and IDs for most customers who are due to renew an eight-year credential in person. Below are the two options that will be available:

  • Eight-year/renew by appointment – schedule an appointment to renew the driver’s license or ID card for the full eight years.

  • Two-year/renew remotely (new) – renew online or by mail for a driver’s license or ID card that will be valid for two years. DMV will mail the credential to the customer’s address on file. In two years, these customers will need to visit a DMV in person for their next renewal, vision screening, and new photo for an eight-year credential. 

  • For more information on the extension of the expiration dates and renewal of credentials, please see here. If you have additional questions or need assistance connecting with the DMV, please contact me by emailing DelKTran@house.virginia.gov or calling my office at 804-698-1042. 

Support for Virginians Facing Evictions

  • Virginia is providing $4 million to the Legal Services Corporation of Virginia to hire 20 attorneys to provide assistance to Virginians facing eviction as a result of the pandemic. This funding is made possible by a $2 million grant from the IKEA U.S. Community Foundation and matching funds from the Virginia COVID-19 Relief Fund. You can find the full announcement here. 

  • As a reminder, you can find resources for homeowners and tenants here. 

Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning 

  • Contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (FCCSP) by calling 703-222-0880 if you are in need of assistance with rent, utilities, food, or other services. FCCSP connects County residents to community-based resources and offers multilingual services. 

Community updates

Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit Public Meeting

  • The Richmond Highway Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Executive Committee will have an electronic public meeting on Tuesday, September 8 at 1pm. You can listen to the live audio of the meeting by dialing 1-877-336-1829 and entering the code: 8628844. 

SmarTrip Now Available on iPhone and Apple Watch

  • Metro riders can now use an iPhone or Apple Watch to pay with their SmarTrip, making it easier and safer for riders to use Metro services. You can learn more about this new touch-free service here.

2020 Census Reminder

  • You have until 9/30 to complete the 2020 Census and ensure you are counted! Completing the census can easily be done online at www.my2020census.gov, by mail, or by calling 844-330-2020. You can learn more: www.2020census.gov. 

There are many ways you can stay engaged in the 2020 Special Legislative Session. Learn more here: http://kathyfordelegate.com/staying-engaged