Here I go, digging into the newspaper archives at Manassas Park City Hall. This time, I find a brittle and yellowing February 28, 1956 edition of the Federation News, a publication by Prince William County and the Federation of Citizens Associations. Of interest is an editorial, “The Importance of Voting.” While, considering the state of voting rights at this time in Virginia’s history, I find the author’s motives and reasoning disingenuous, the premise that voting is important remains.
According to the Manassas Park voting registration office, numbers for the recent November 5, election were higher than expected with a 32% turnout (out of 6,787 registered City voters). In gubernatorial races in 2005 and 2009, there was a 28 percent and 29 percent turnout respectively.
According to City Registrar Patricia Brendel, “This was one of our higher Governor elections, but it could have been better.” And she’s right. Considering all of the hard work and battles to get to the point where all Americans could vote, more effort should be put into getting to the polls.
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On a more positive note, the number of volunteers who have shown interest in working as election officers at the polls is on the rise. After being short-staffed for the Presidential election, nine folks have offered to help out on election days at either one of the City’s two polling sites, the Community Center and Manassas Park High School.
The City is always looking for dedicated election officials. If you or someone you know would be interested in participating in the City’s program, please contact the City Registrar’s Office at 703-335-8806.
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Michele Quander-Collins is the Communications Specialist for the Manassas Park Parks and Recreation Department. She can be reached at 703.335.8872 or via email at m.quander-collins@manassasparkva.gov
Community Matters is a blog created by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation. The blog features program updates, announcements of new services, special event notices, or information of general interest.
