Virginia's political landscape changed as Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling broke norms by voting remotely after childbirth, redefining how parenthood intersects with public service. In a significant move, she casted her vote facilitated through newly embraced legislative flexibility.
Bolling became the first woman in Virginia granted permission to vote remotely due to childbirth. This development highlights the increasing participation of women, especially mothers, in Virginia's legislative process. About one-third of state lawmakers are women, with 49 out of 140 seats held by them. Around two dozen female legislators have children under 18. LeVere Bolling delivered her child last week and voted remotely during a tax bill debate. The bill passed 62-33.
Clerk G. Paul Nardo confirmed she was the first to receive such permission. Democratic House Speaker Don Scott approved the remote voting, emphasizing the importance of family values. Said Scott, "We want to live our values ... We don't need all the legislators to be very old and people who have grown children." Liuba Grechen, Vote Mama Foundation's founder, stated that modernizing procedural rules is essential for equitable legislative participation.
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Virginia permitted remote voting due to COVID-19. However, 31 states still do not allow such participation, as noted by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Delegates Adele McClure and Elizabeth Bennett-Parker shared their experiences balancing legislative duties and motherhood. McClure has been navigating postpartum recovery, while Bennett-Parker previously brought her infant to the legislature. Bennett-Parker said: "Every single year, we have members who have medical conditions, or every single year, I've seen paramedics called to the House floor for a member... Health is unpredictable." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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