Busy Election Year

Every year is an election year in Virginia, but some years are busier than others. This year is an “off year” when local and state elections are held but no federal elections are held. This election year is unique because when primary elections are counted there are many more than usual.

Elections this year are being held for all 140 members of the Virginia General Assembly—House of Delegates and State Senate. If you have registered for previous elections and have been voting regularly you are registered to vote in the elections this year at your usual polling place. Redistricting of the General Assembly districts took place this year. To find the district in which you reside and will be voting, go to https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation. There you can check your registration status and register to vote if needed, find your polling place, and apply to vote absentee by mail. The general election will be held on November 7. The Virginia Department of Elections offers an outreach guide to provide information on the integrity of our elections. Visit https://www.elections.virginia.gov/voter-ed/. You can also view or download a handy voters guide at https://tinyurl.com/2bv6h82v.

Many election districts have more than one candidate running for the same office. In Fairfax County, Democrats choose their candidates by primary for which voting is already taking place and will continue until June 20. Important dates for the Democratic primary can be found at https://www.elections.virginia.gov/. Republicans choose their candidates by convention for which dates vary by district. The nominees chosen by the parties will face off in the general election on November 7.

At the local level in Fairfax County all members of the Board of Supervisors including the chairman are on the ballot. Also at the county level there are elections for constitutional officers that include the Sheriff, Commonwealth Attorney and Clerk of the Court. School Board members for election districts and at-large will be held at the same time and place as that of supervisors. There are primary elections to pick the Democratic nominees for these positions. The Fairfax County Office of Elections has a wealth of information online, including a list of related websites (at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/links) to find additional information.

The outcomes of the primary elections and convention meetings are very important to determine the candidates who will be on the ballot in November. Virginia made transformative progress that brought its laws and representation into the modern day in recent years. Once trending as a blue state, Virginia in many areas is still a red state controlled by Republican officeholders. There will be fierce campaigns to sway voters. Educate yourself on the issues and the candidates and cast a vote. The issues are too important to not participate in both primary and general elections.

For more information on candidates, go to www.vpap.org.