Bill to extend election polling in emergencies shelved

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Legislation allowing judges to extend voting hours in case of an emergency has been postponed until next year.
    The House Privileges and Elections Committee decided Friday that the bill raises too many complicated questions that can’t be answered this year.
    Governor Tim Kaine introduced the bill allowing extended voting hours after a winter storm snarled traffic in northern Virginia, preventing perhaps thousands of voters from casting votes in last month’s presidential primary.
    The bill would have allowed the secretary of the state Board of Elections or the chairmen of the two political parties to petition a judge to keep polls open up to three more hours during an emergency. Opponents of the bill said it could open the door to political mischief.