As the Nov. 5 election draws near, Fairfax County is gearing up for a surge in voter turnout typical in a presidential election year.
In a recent episode of the “Connect with County Leaders” podcast, host Bryan Hill, Fairfax County Executive, sat down with Eric Spicer, general registrar and director of elections for Fairfax County, to discuss the upcoming election and the county’s efforts to ensure a smooth voting process.
Early Voting Surge
The conversation opened with a discussion of early voting. Turnout far exceeded expectations on opening weekend.
Spicer reported that on the first day of early voting, 2,700 voters cast ballots at the Government Center alone, compared to just 1,200 four years ago. In total, over 4,500 voters cast their ballots at three locations on the first day.
To accommodate this increase, the county has expanded its resources.
“Thanks to the Board of Supervisors, we got more resources, more staff, more election officers, and more space,” Spicer explained. This expansion has significantly reduced wait times.
Voting Options and Accessibility
Fairfax County is committed to making voting accessible to all residents. Spicer highlighted several options available to voters:
- Early voting at 16 satellite locations
- Mail-in voting
- Election day voting at 264 polling places
- Curbside voting for those who need it
“The voters are always right,” Spicer remarked, “and they want to vote in different ways.”
Election Security
With the growth of early and mail-in voting, Spicer emphasized that election security is a top priority. “Yes, it is safe. Yes, it is secure,” Spicer said, explaining that stringent measures are in place to prevent double voting and ensure only registered voters submit ballots.
To further safeguard the election, the county avoids transmitting results wirelessly, to prevent potential security breaches. On election night, 528 individuals physically transport the results from 264 polling places to the Office of Elections at the Government Center. Just after 7 p.m., dedicated election staff, working in two-person teams, manually enter all votes cast at early voting locations and from mail-in ballots and Election Day polling places.
Voter Assistance
Fairfax County provides various forms of assistance to voters who need it. This includes:
- Language officers who can assist in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and about 50 other languages
- Accessible machines for voters with vision impairments
- Curbside voting for those who have difficulty entering polling places
Looking Ahead
As Fairfax County looks ahead to future elections, Spicer emphasized the need for continual improvement and teamwork. He also encouraged voters to stay informed through official channels. “If you’re not sure, give us a call or check us on the website or email us,” Spicer advised. “We’re here to help you.”
Reach the Office of Elections online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections. Email them at voting@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-222-0776. You can also follow the Office of Elections on X (formerly Twitter) at twitter.com/fairfaxvotes.
Connect With County Leaders Podcast
The “Connect with County Leaders” podcast is a monthly opportunity to meet and connect with Fairfax County leaders, to learn about the latest county news and information, and hear more on specific programs and services in Fairfax County.
Listen or watch past episodes of “Connect with County Leaders” on SoundCloud, on YouTube and on Channel 16’s podcast on demand page. For other Fairfax County podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts, and for additional audio content, tune in to Fairfax County Government Radio at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/radio.
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