Election Day is getting closer every day, but early voting in Fairfax County has already begun. For those who aren’t yet registered to vote, there’s still time to register online or by mail. High school students even have an opportunity to assist in the polls (see below), and those 18 and above can work as an Election Officer. If you’re planning to vote, but haven’t figured out when or what you’ll be voting for, consider making a voting plan by viewing a sample ballot (see below).
If you haven’t registered yet, you have until October 15 to submit a mail-in application or complete one virtually through the Citizen Portal. Registering in-person can take place at the Fairfax County Office of Elections. During the period of October 16 to November 2, voters can register at any early voting location and vote with a provisional ballot. On Election Day, voters can only register and vote with provisional ballots in their precinct, which can be found by entering their address to the My Neighborhood resource from Fairfax County’s site. Other details such as nearby polling locations and voting districts can also be found with this tool.
If you’ve already registered, but haven’t picked a day or method to vote, there’s a few things to consider.
Mail-in ballots are an option, but a voter must apply to receive one. To apply online, the Virginia Department of Elections offers a digital application through the Citizen Portal. Applications can also be submitted with paper copies through faxes, emails, mail, or hand delivered through the methods supplied below. Mail-in ballot applications must be received by the Office of Elections before October 25. To cast your absentee ballot once you receive it, you may either mail it, submit through a ballot drop-off box, or give it to the Fairfax Office of Elections in person before 7 pm on Election Day. More information on absentee voting application and submission can be found here.
In-person early voting is also available now until November 2. Only three locations are currently open for early voting, but more will be available after October 17. When going to vote in person, voters should bring a form of ID like a Virginia driver’s license, U.S. passport, Military ID, or some other acceptable ID from this list. If a voter does not bring an ID, they must complete an ID confirmation statement or cast a provisional ballot if they refuse. If a voter receives an absentee ballot but decides to vote in person, they must surrender the absentee ballot or vote with a provisional ballot. In person voters have the opportunity to register and cast a provisional ballot the same day at early voting locations from October 16 to November 2. A map of all early voting locations is available here and their operating hours are below. More information on early in-person voting can be found on Fairfax’s website.
On Election Day voters can submit their absentee ballots in any Fairfax County drop-off box before 7 pm. There is a box available at any precinct voting locations from 6 am to 7pm, a box available outside of the Fairfax County Government Center, and a box within the building in the Office of Elections, suite 323.
If you have any questions about voting, visit this FAQ and submit any further questions to the contacts provided on the page.
There are also opportunities for high school students to contribute to the election process. Students above the age of 16 by November 5th, 2024 can apply to receive an assignment for assisting a polling place. The opportunity can count towards 10 service learning hours. Students should apply soon, as the application deadline is September 30th For more information, visit the program page.
Voting plans are the best way to manage your time and make informed decisions about your ballot. There are several representatives on the ballot this year along with the presidential election. Depending on voting districts, some voters have State senate, US senate, and US representative positions on the ballot, all of which contribute to legislation that impacts Virginians. To view your sample ballot and see what candidates you’re voting for, find your voting precinct using My Neighborhood and scroll through this PDF to the respective precinct number. Many other organizations also create sample ballots, such as vote.org.
