Residents urged to register to vote by Oct. 6 deadline
Everyone will agree that New Kent County is growing by leaps and bounds. There has been an increase of 1,484 registered voters in New Kent since the last presidential election almost four years ago. Registrar Gwen Ellyson predicts that another 500 names will be added to the books before registration for the Nov. 4 election closes on Oct. 6 at 5 p.m.
Recently, much publicity has centered on long lines and lengthy wait times at polling places in Virginia during the February Presidential Primaries. Could the same thing happen here in New Kent on Nov. 4?
Yes, but our local election officials are being proactive in doing everything within their power to help prevent a similar situation. Did you know that, you, the voter, can also help?
The local Electoral Board and General Registrar have taken, and continue to take actions to minimize the causes of long lines that are under their control – improved training of election officials, additional splits in the pollbooks to create more voter check-in stations and the reallocation of voting equipment to precincts with the greatest number of registered voters. While these actions are helpful, they come at an increased cost and are just a portion of what can be accomplished if everyone gets involved, including you, the voter.
Making certain that your voter registration record is current and accurate will contribute to making your voting experience smooth and problem-free.
Are you a new resident to the area? If so, have you transferred your voter registration record to New Kent County? Are you positive that your transaction at DMV really registered you to vote? Have you moved or changed your name since you last voted?
Any one of the above situations could have an effect on your voter registration record. If you have moved and not updated your address with the local Voter Registration Office, it is possible that you are no longer registered to vote. Virginia law requires that voters shall promptly notify the General Registrar whenever he/she changes place of residence or name.
Contact the Voter Registration Office now at 966-9699 or send email inquiries to govote127@state.va.us. Staff in the office will be more than happy to check the status of your voter registration record.
Not sure if you qualify to apply to register to vote? To register to vote in Virginia, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Virginia, 18 years old by the next general election (Nov. 4), have had your voting rights restored if you have ever been convicted of a felony (contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office to obtain restoration of rights information 804-786-2441), have had your capacity restored if you have ever been declared mentally incapacitated in a Circuit Court.
Don’t have a current voter card? Call the office; your registration record (or lack thereof) will be checked. If your record is current, a duplicate voter card can be issued and mailed to you.
If not registered, a mail-in Virginia Voter Registration Application can be mailed to you. You can complete, sign and return the application in the envelope provided.
Mail-in Voter Registration Applications are also available at Heritage Library in New Kent Commons, 6215 D Chesapeake Circle, New Kent, in the lobby near the Treasurer’s Office in the New Kent County Administration Building and in the Voter Registration Office located in the Historic New Kent County Courthouse. Registration applications are also available at all DMV offices and Public Assistance Agencies.
Don’t wait until the registration deadline to register to vote. The registration books always close 29 days prior to November election days. The final day to register to vote for this election is Oct 6 at 5 p.m.
Want to participate on Election Day by serving as an Officer of Election? Those friendly faces that you see at your polling place, year after year, are our dedicated Officers of Election. While volunteer in nature, these people are paid for their services.
Any registered voter in Virginia may serve as an Officer of Election. Officers prepare the precinct by setting up voting equipment, checking off names of voters and issuing appropriate ballots, among other duties. Attendance at a training session prior to the election is required. Contact the Voter Registration Office at 966-9699.