General Registrar and Director of Elections Trish Jones emphasized “everybody’s voice matters” and “democracy takes place in the community.”
Jones shared that absentee and requested mail ballots go out this Friday. The drop box is available at the registrar’s office during their scheduled business hours. Early voting at the registrar will run from Friday, September 18 through Saturday, October 31. Jones clarified that voter registration will be available until October 23 followed by a five-day waiting period to vote. Anyone who registers after October 23rd will have to cast a provisional ballot.
Trish Jones also reviewed the list of accepted forms of identification for registration, and clarified that unhoused folks do not have to provide a full street address. See elections.virginia.gov/VoterID for a full list of acceptable IDs.
Early voting dates are consistent across the Commonwealth, although hours may vary by location. Trish explained how ballots are secured and managed for safety and security with witness from both parties involved in the process. She sited code VA 24.2-607 which prohibits election disruption as something she takes very seriously. On Election Day, there will be 18 polling sites in the city.
Poll watchers are needed, too!
Will you be that person this year?
Sign up at elections.virginia.gov/officer to receive the required training prior to November.
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Updates from the Immigrant Safety Team
Immigrant Safety are currently focusing on supporting folks being held at the Farmville Detention Center. They will meet again on Friday, September 25th at 3:00 PM in the Quaker Meeting Room at Peakland Baptist Church (4018 Peakland Place).
When possible, please continuing to support restaurants and other businesses owned, operated, and/or supporting the immigrant community.
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SAVE THE DATE!
October Community Gathering
Sunday, October 11 at 4 PM
First Christian Church
3109 Rivermont Avenue
Presentation by FREE DC
