Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Grins

(7,940 posts)
Sat Sep 21, 2024, 01:51 PM Sep 2024

Early voting has begun in Virginia. And the turnout...?

21 Sept.2024
WTOP News (Washington, DC)

Thousands turn out in Fairfax Co. for first day of early voting in Va.

The strong turnout seen in Virginia Friday for the state’s first day of early voting in the presidential election isn’t something you see every election cycle.

“It’s not normal at all. We’re in record-breaking territory.” - Fairfax County general registrar and director of elections, Eric Spicer.

Lines were long at early voting locations, including at the Fairfax County Government Center where hundreds stretched from the front door to the parking lot.

...In the previous presidential election in 2020, Fairfax County saw about 1,200 voters for the entire first day of early voting. Turnout on Friday easily surpassed that.

According to Spicer, by mid-afternoon, 2,800 people had already voted in the county. By 7 p.m. his office said 4,232 people had voted at the three (County) locations.

The 2,800 ballots cast in 2020 to 4,232 ballots cast in 2024 is a 150% increase.

On a side note, I received a text message on Friday Fairfax County that my mail-in ballot had been mailed. I should get it no later than Tuesday or Wednesday.
14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Early voting has begun in Virginia. And the turnout...? (Original Post) Grins Sep 2024 OP
when we fight NJCher Sep 2024 #1
Correction: The "Increase" is not 150% DDySiegs Sep 2024 #2
Virginia voting The Butler Sep 2024 #4
1200 in 2020 vs more than 4000 in 2024 spooky3 Sep 2024 #10
Way to go Virginia! appalachiablue Sep 2024 #3
Virginia voting The Butler Sep 2024 #5
The blue tsunami is quite real. 🌊 rubbersole Sep 2024 #6
Who is on the ballot? LogicallyKnot Sep 2024 #7
Come out, Virginia, don't let me wait... Sky Jewels Sep 2024 #8
'Sweet Virginia anamnua Sep 2024 #13
Yes!!! Let's make it happen! wordstroken Sep 2024 #9
Where is a link to this? nt cannabis_flower Sep 2024 #11
could the increase be because of covid? At least in part? Hamlette Sep 2024 #12
It could, but the law makes voting by mail easier than ever now. spooky3 Sep 2024 #14

spooky3

(36,424 posts)
10. 1200 in 2020 vs more than 4000 in 2024
Sat Sep 21, 2024, 04:31 PM
Sep 2024

The 2800 in OP’s next to last pgh isn’t correct for 2020.

Hamlette

(15,546 posts)
12. could the increase be because of covid? At least in part?
Sat Sep 21, 2024, 04:46 PM
Sep 2024

I'm wondering if more people voted by mail in VA in 2020 because of the lockdown hence lower numbers of in person voting in general.

Keep up the fight

edited to correct typo. I meant 'in person', which auto corrects to unperson if you forget to put a space in.

spooky3

(36,424 posts)
14. It could, but the law makes voting by mail easier than ever now.
Mon Sep 23, 2024, 09:07 PM
Sep 2024

For example, at one time you had to have a witness to vote by mail, and had to have what VA considered a legitimate excuse (though it was pretty easy to find one that applied to you). So it’s hard to say how much of the increase in early in person voting is accounted for by COVID in 2020.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Early voting has begun in...