In a historic and progressive decision, Virginia has marked a milestone in political inclusivity by allowing Del. Destiny LeVere Bolling to cast votes remotely after giving birth to her daughter. This unprecedented move not only affirms Virginia's commitment to family values but also sets an example for other states to follow.
With only a third of the Virginia House of Delegates being women, approximately 49 out of 140, the decision to permit remote voting due to childbirth is a significant acknowledgment of the unique challenges faced by female lawmakers. Del. LeVere Bolling, who found herself balancing legislative duties and labor, is the first to benefit from this ruling, a testament to the evolving landscape of the Virginia political environment.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virginia House adapted to remote voting protocols. However, this flexibility was not extended to situations like childbirth until now. This year, the House rules, under the guidance of Democratic House Speaker Don Scott, ensure that lawmakers can vote remotely in certain circumstances, prioritizing safety and family engagement.
We want to live our values, emphasized Speaker Scott. Supporting families and encouraging participation from all generations is crucial. This decision underscores the importance of adapting procedural norms to align with current societal values and needs.
Historically, the representation of women in Virginia’s legislative body has been limited, with the first female delegates only beginning their terms in the 1920s. Today's diversification and accommodation for mothers in politics are pivotal. Virginia’s approach contrasts sharply with 31 other states that, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, still prohibit remote participation in legislative proceedings.
Experts point out that many current procedural frameworks were not designed to accommodate the responsibilities of motherhood. Liuba Grechen Shirley, founder of the Vote Mama Foundation, describes proxy voting as a forward step toward modernizing legislative practices to be more inclusive of lawmakers with caregiving obligations.
The adaptability of Virginia’s legislative process is witnessed in the experiences of other delegates as well. Del. Adele McClure, who became a mother in October, navigates the session juggling postpartum commitments alongside her legislative duties. She highlights the need for systemic support for juggling motherhood and professional responsibilities.
Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker shares similar experiences, often bringing her infant along for legislative duties, hoping for a change that would ease the strain on working mothers. The push for normalizing proxy votes aligns with discussions at the national level about similar remote voting accommodations for U.S. lawmakers.
The decision on the remote vote came on a day marked by debates on significant tax legislation. As Del. LeVere Bolling's voice resonated through the chamber via remote link, her Aye vote symbolized a triumph for modern legislative process reflective of reality's demands. The successful passage of the bill with her participation underscores the effectiveness and necessity of this accommodation.
This advance in legislative policy by Virginia serves as a beacon for states nationwide to consider more inclusive and flexible government procedures, promoting a political environment that values and supports family life alongside public service duties.