Two measures that would make it easier for people to vote using absentee ballots cleared the Virginia Senate Monday.

A bill introduced by Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, that would allow residents to vote absentee for any reason was approved 24-14. Voters currently have to meet one of about a dozen requirements to vote absentee, such as if they're out of town or are unable to make it to the polls because of disability, illness, or pregnancy.

A separate measure from Sen. John Miller, D-York, that would allow anyone 65 or older to vote absentee passed on a 32-6 vote.

A House subcommittee, however, has already tabled a bill from Del. Rosalyn Dance, D-Petersburg, that would allow absentee voting for any reason.