With Election Day fast approaching, Virginians had their final chance to cast early ballots on Saturday, and the turnout in Henrico County was impressive. The atmosphere at the Western Government Center was lively, with lines extending around the building as voters seized the opportunity to make their voices heard before the official Election Day.
Brenda Gray, an early voter, expressed her hopes for a shorter wait but found herself amidst a bustling crowd. “I was expecting it but hoping it wouldn’t be so long,” she remarked. Avery Gray, another voter, noted that many were eager to complete their voting. “Everybody’s trying to get the same ideas everybody else has, just to get it done,” he said.
Poll workers were kept busy managing the long lines and ensuring that the voting process remained efficient. Voter Kevin Brann shared his motivations for voting early, stating, “I’m going on a trip during the day of the election, the fourth. I wanted to get it done today while I have the chance.”
Despite the crowds, the commitment of voters to participate in the electoral process was evident. One voter highlighted the benefits of voting early, saying, “Being able to get it done today was very beneficial for me. Trying to get it done on the weekday didn’t work at all.”
As the days count down to Election Day, Henrico General Registrar Mark J. Coakley provided guidance for those who might have missed the registration deadline. He advised, “Go to your neighborhood polling place and say look, I’m here to do a same day registration and vote a provisional ballot, and as long as you haven’t voted anywhere else, which we know you haven’t, that ballot is going to count.”
With early voting concluded, all voters who have yet to cast their ballots will need to do so on Election Day. To find polling locations and hours, individuals can visit the Department of Elections website’s Polling Place and Ballot Information tool. As the election approaches, it’s encouraging to see active participation from the community, a vital sign of civic engagement in democracy.