As the 2020 election approaches, many voters in Fairfax County, VA are considering their options for casting their ballots. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a lot of discussion about voting by mail or using an absentee ballot. But what exactly is the process for doing so in Fairfax County? As an expert in politics in Fairfax County, VA, I am here to provide a comprehensive guide to voting by mail or absentee ballot.
The Basics of Voting in Fairfax County
Before we dive into the specifics of voting by mail or absentee ballot, let's first go over the basics of voting in Fairfax County. In order to vote in any election, you must be a registered voter in Fairfax County.If you are not yet registered, you can do so online or by mail. The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming election is October 13th, 2020. Once you are registered to vote, you will receive a voter registration card in the mail. This card will have your polling place listed on it. On Election Day, you can go to your designated polling place and cast your vote in person.
However, if you are unable to make it to the polls on Election Day, you have the option to vote by mail or use an absentee ballot.
Voting by Mail
Voting by mail, also known as absentee voting, allows registered voters to receive their ballot through the mail and return it via mail. This option is available for those who are unable to make it to their polling place on Election Day due to various reasons such as being out of town or having a disability. In order to vote by mail in Fairfax County, you must first request a mail-in ballot. This can be done online, by mail, or in person at the Fairfax County Office of Elections. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is October 23rd, 2020.Once you have requested your ballot, it will be mailed to you along with instructions on how to fill it out and return it. When filling out your mail-in ballot, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. You will need to fill out the ballot, place it in the provided envelope, and sign the envelope. Your signature is crucial as it will be used to verify your identity and ensure that your vote is counted. Once you have completed your ballot, you can return it via mail or drop it off at designated drop-off locations throughout Fairfax County.
Absentee Ballot
Absentee ballots are similar to mail-in ballots in that they allow registered voters to vote without physically going to their polling place on Election Day.However, there are some key differences between the two options. Unlike mail-in ballots, absentee ballots are only available for certain reasons such as being away at college or being in the military. In order to request an absentee ballot, you must first fill out an application and provide a valid reason for not being able to vote in person. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is also October 23rd, 2020. Once you have received your absentee ballot, you will need to fill it out and return it by mail or drop it off at designated locations. It is important to note that absentee ballots must be received by the Fairfax County Office of Elections by 7pm on Election Day in order to be counted.
Important Dates and Deadlines
As mentioned previously, there are several important dates and deadlines to keep in mind when voting by mail or absentee ballot in Fairfax County.Here is a quick overview:
- October 13th, 2020 - Deadline to register to vote
- October 23rd, 2020 - Deadline to request a mail-in ballot or absentee ballot
- November 3rd, 2020 - Election Day
Why Vote by Mail or Absentee Ballot?
With the ongoing pandemic, many voters are considering voting by mail or using an absentee ballot as a safer alternative to voting in person. However, there are other reasons why someone may choose to vote by mail or absentee ballot. For some, it may be more convenient to vote from the comfort of their own home rather than going to a polling place. Others may have difficulty physically getting to their polling place due to a disability or illness.Whatever the reason may be, voting by mail or absentee ballot provides an accessible and secure way for registered voters in Fairfax County to exercise their right to vote.
