Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) issued an executive order on Wednesday so Virginians will vote only by paper ballots for all elections. Youngkin issued Executive Order 35, which codified and strengthened election security protocols. 

"Today, we issued Executive Order 35, codifying our administration’s model for election security. This isn't a Democrat or Republican issue, it's an American and Virginian issue. Every legal vote deserves to be counted," Youngkin wrote on Wednesday. A press release on the order states that the order "codifies improvements to election security made during the Governor’s administration by directing the Commissioner of the Department of Elections to certify in writing annually that these improvements are in place."

Voting only by paper ballots is integral to the new law, meaning electronic voting machines will no longer be an option. The executive order will also use Department of Motor Vehicle data to enforce voter identity requirements.

"We use 100% paper ballots with a strict chain of custody. We use counting machines, not voting machines, that are tested prior to every election and never connected to the internet. We do not mass mail ballots. We monitor our drop boxes 24/7," Youngkin said.

"We verify the legal presence and identity of voters using DMV data and other trusted data sources to update our voter rolls daily, not only adding new voters, but scrubbing the lists to remove those that should not be on it, like the deceased, individuals that have moved, and non-citizens that have accidentally or maliciously attempted to register."

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump applauded Virginia’s move to paper ballots, writing on Truth Social:

"The beautiful Commonwealth of Virginia, superbly led by Governor Glenn Youngkin, IS TAKING A STRONG LEAD IN SECURING THE ELECTION IN NOVEMBER — PROTECTING EVERY LEGAL VOTE AND KEEPING ILLEGAL ALIENS THAT HAVE BEEN LET INTO OUR COUNTRY FROM VOTING. All votes will be on paper ballots and counted safely and fairly, not by machines connected to the internet — A big security risk.

"We must work hard to make sure the Election is FAIR and SECURE!!! EVERY STATE SHOULD FOLLOW VIRGINIA’S LEAD," Trump continued. "We need volunteers to watch the polls - So important. The Election on November 5th will be the MOST IMPORTANT ELECTION IN OUR COUNTRY’S HISTORY. Thank you Glenn, GREAT JOB!!!"