This Tuesday, Sept. 9, West Po students have the day off for the 11th Congressional District’s Special Election. A special election is an election that is held outside of the regular electoral cycle, usually to address a specific ballot measure or fill a vacant seat. The Sept. 9 election is to fill the House of Representatives seat of the 11th Congressional District after previous representative Gerry Connolly’s passing. 

The candidates running for this seat in the House are James Walkinshaw, Democrat, and Stewart Whitson, Republican. Walkinshaw values protecting Northern Virginian federal workers and small businesses. He aims to expand access to affordable housing, healthcare and education. Whitson supports restoring public safety and fixing the economy. He wants to help advance the America First agenda alongside President Donald Trump.

All 199 Fairfax County Schools, including West Potomac will be closed Sept. 9 in anticipation of the number of voters using schools as polling places. According to a message from FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid, she believes that “closing schools is the best way for us to keep our community safe, minimize disruptions, and ensure our buildings are ready and accessible for voters.”

Nina Willcoxon, 11th grader thinks that schools should be closed during election days “Yes, schools should be closed because if there’s strangers at the school, then you don’t want students around them because that’s a safety hazard. That’s why we have metal detectors, to protect student’s safety”. 

Aria Flora, 12th grader agrees schools should be closed, but for different reasons “It makes sense for them to close schools when there’s an election. It gives students a chance to vote without missing school or work”. 

If you are registered to vote and live in the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, make sure you cast your vote in the election Sept. 9.