Drop Box Available For Absentee Ballots In Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A secure drop-off box is an option for returning absentee ballots for City of Fredericksburg voters.

The Virginia General Assembly voted to permit drop boxes as election officials see an increased demand for absentee voting for the Nov. 3 election. The drop box in Fredericksburg is located in front of the Executive Plaza, 601 Caroline St.

In-person early absentee voting started on Friday at 601 Caroline Street and runs through Oct. 31. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as Saturdays, Oct. 24 and 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on observed holidays.

The registrar's office said in-person absentee voting has been busy since the doors opened at 8:30 a.m. last Friday.

Voters should follow the instructions included with the ballot and return it to the Fredericksburg elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. If you are returning the ballot by-mail, it must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the office by noon on the third day after the election (Nov. 6).

Residents can track their ballot's delivery status through Ballot Scout and confirm it has been received through the Virginia Department of Elections.

Voters no longer need an excuse for early voting 45 days before an election due to new state legislation. Voters still have to show an acceptable form of identification to vote in person, but it no longer has to be a photo ID.

The Nov. 3 election will include races for president and vice president of the United States, one member of the U.S. Senate, the member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the 1st congressional district and two amendments to the Constitution of Virginia. The Fredericksburg elections office has provided a sample ballot.

Voters can submit an application for an absentee ballot, register to vote or check registration status, and check their polling place at vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation.

Here are the key dates to remember:

• Friday, Sept. 18-Friday, Oct. 30 — Early Voting at 601 Caroline St. from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 13. — Last day to register/update registration and vote in the Nov. 3 election.
• Friday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. — Application deadline to request Vote by Mail ballot be mailed to you.
• Saturday, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Early voting at 601 Caroline St. from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3 — Election Day polls will be open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

For more information, visit the City of Fredericksburg Office of Voter Registration & Elections website.