NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 18, 2020
Neighbors,
Today, September 18, is the start of early absentee voting in Virginia. As I have shared previously, we made many changes during the 2020 Legislative Session and the current Special Legislative Session that affect our voting laws, including how we are able to cast a ballot for the November 3rd elections. Below is information on:
Changes to Virginia’s Voting Laws Affecting November Elections
Options for Casting a Ballot
My Position on Constitutional Amendment 1
Information on Upcoming Tele-Town Halls
As always, please let me know if I can be of assistance by calling my office at 804-698-1042 or by emailing me at DelKTran@house.virginia.gov.
Best, Kathy
Delegate, 42nd District
Changes to Virginia’s Voting Laws Affecting November Elections
The General Assembly passed legislation in 2020 to increase access to voting, maintain public health while holding elections during this pandemic, and respond to proposed changes by the U.S. Postal Service. New laws that are now in effect are:
Election Day is now an official state holiday.
We now have no-excuse absentee voting. This means that all voters can vote early absentee.
The state government is providing local governments with funding for pre-paid postage for mailed absentee ballots.
Absentee ballots that are postmarked on or before Election Day and received by noon on the immediate Friday after polls are closed can be counted in the election.
Ballot drop boxes will be available in every Virginia locality.
Local registrars are now required to notify voters that returned their absentee ballot by October 31 if their ballot was rejected. Affected voters have a chance to correct their error(s).
The witness signature on the back of the absentee ballot return envelope is waived for the November 3rd elections.
For those voting in person, the option of casting a ballot without photo identification has been reinstated (this option was eliminated in 2013).
Options for Casting a Ballot in the November Elections
To confirm your voter registration information is up to date and to request an absentee ballot, please visit vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation.
Below is a summary of how you can cast your ballot in Fairfax County for the November 3rd elections. You can find more, including the locations and hours of operation for the Fairfax Office of Elections and Fairfax County satellite locations, here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/absentee
Early absentee voting
Starting September 18, registrars begin to mail absentee ballots to voters that have requested one. You can track the status of your absentee ballot application and ballot here or here.
You can return your absentee ballot by:
Drop Box - You can drop off your absentee ballot at drop boxes located at the Fairfax Office of Elections from September 18 to November 3, at all Fairfax County satellite locations from October 14 to October 31, and at polling locations on November 3. Drop boxes will be available when these locations are open.
In-person - You can submit your absentee ballot in person at the Fairfax Office of Elections from September 18 to November 3 and at Fairfax County satellite voting locations from October 14 to October 31, when these locations are open.
In-Person
From September 18 to October 31, you can vote early absentee in-person at the Fairfax Office of Elections.
From October 14 to October 31, you can vote early absentee in-person at Fairfax County satellite locations.
On November 3, you can vote at your polling location.
Constitutional Amendment #1
Over the last few weeks, constituents have reached out to ask for my position on Constitutional Amendment 1, which will be on the ballot. This Amendment is intended to address the issue of gerrymandering. However, it is flawed and sets up a partisan redistricting commission and does not eliminate political gerrymandering. Fundamentally, I do not believe any elected official should be allowed to draw legislative districts because there is an inherent conflict of interest. This is one of many reasons why I strongly encourage you to vote NO on Constitutional Amendment 1. You can see my full statement here.
Upcoming Town Halls
Wednesday, September 23 at 6:00pm
Tele-Town Hall on Special Legislative Session
Join Delegates Vivian Watts, Mark Sickles, Paul Krizek, and me for updates on the Special Legislative Session!
Dial-in (605) 472-5239 | Access Code 811044 | Submit Questions here
Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30pm -
Tele-Town Hall on Elections
I will be hosting Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay and New Virginia Majority Co-Executive Director Tram Nguyen to discuss Virginia’s election laws and to answer questions about how to cast a ballot for the November elections.
There are many ways you can stay engaged in the 2020 Special Legislative Session. Learn more here: http://kathyfordelegate.com/staying-engaged