I do not understand these proposed changes.  The proposed changes will create ambiguity and uncertainly where none exists with the current form.  Moreover, these proposed changes may violate state law and the Virginia Constitution.  For example, the current form has checkboxes for the applicant to affirm his or her U.S. citizenship, the lack of felony convictions, and the absence of any legal mental competency ruling against the applicant.  As I understand it, the new form leaves the checkboxes in place -- but makes checking the boxes optional, so the applicant is no longer required to affirmatively state that he or she is a U.S. citizen, has not been convicted of a felony, and has not found mentally incompetent.  Having this as "optional" makes no sense.  And, this approach is contrary to the Code of Virginia and the Virginia Constitution and eliminates significant safeguards against fraudulent registration.  Whether one is a Republican or a Democrat, I would think voter fraud is something ALL would want to prevent (maybe I'm wrong about that...).  

A positive statement of citizenship, felony convictions and competency forces the applicant to address these issues.  If the applicant is found to be lying, there are firm grounds for prosecution.  Merely signing an "affirmation statement" covering these these issues is NOT a valid substitute and virtually eliminates any opportunity for prosecution of fraudulent applications.

The new form and regulations also create practical problems for local voter registrars, who are responsible for administering the registration process. 

Again, it seems obvious that these new regulations and the new voter fraud should not be implemented.  If they are implemented, one has to wonder why...