RICHMOND, Va. - A federal judge in Richmond has extended the state's voter registration deadline after the Virginia Department of Elections site went down on the last day to register.
The deadline to register to vote in Virginia has been extended until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, October 15.
Click to learn how to register to vote in Virginia.
🚨BREAKING🚨 Judge says he will GRANT our request to extend voter registration deadline until 11:59pm on Thursday, October 15. Register to vote now!!
— Mark Herring (@MarkHerringVA) October 14, 2020
On Tuesday, the registration site was down until 3:30 p.m., due to a Verizon fiber that had been inadvertently struck during a Chesterfield County roadside utilities project.
The fiber was located near the Commonwealth Enterprise Solutions Center (CESC), VITA’s headquarters. The Vita Agency supports Virginia by providing cybersecurity, IT infrastructure services and IT governance.
“Today’s agreement to extend the voter registration deadline is a big win for democracy. Any eligible Virginian who was not able to register to vote yesterday can now do so,” said Attorney General Herring. “I have made it a top priority over the last several months to protect Virginians’ right to vote by making it as easy, safe and secure as possible, and this agreement is no different. I will continue to fight to make sure that every eligible Virginian can vote in this crucial election and that their vote will count.”
Despite the glitch, Herring told News 3 voters should have confidence in the system. "I hope the way we have responded will give them even more confidence that no matter what circumstances arise, they can always count on me as their Attorney General to help make sure we protect their right to vote," said Herring.
A similar glitch happened before the deadline in 2016. An extension was granted and nearly 28,000 people registered during that period.
On Tuesday, Northam said he does not have the authority to change the deadline for registration to vote in Virginia, which is Tuesday, but he said he will support any court ordered change due to the issues.
AG Mark Herring tweeted Tuesday night that he filed a brief asking the court to extend the deadline.
🚨BREAKING🚨 I've filed a brief asking the Court to extend the voter registration deadline.
— Mark Herring (@MarkHerringVA) October 14, 2020
We need to make up for the time lost today. We have 21 days until the most important election of our lifetimes and I want to make sure every eligible Virginian who wants to vote can. pic.twitter.com/LCqU7IZ5o6