elections

Falls Church City Council is debating on whether to have municipal elections in Novemeber, instead of May, according to the Washington Post.

The change is could save the city money by hosting local, state and national elections at the same time, but many worry that state and national concerns will drown out information needed to make wise local decisions. This is very important for homeowners to be aware of because the city is facing a $4 million budget gap that could result in increased taxes.

"The Falls Church City Council on Monday will take up the issue of whether to hold municipal elections in November rather than May, a change embraced by a growing number of Virginia municipalities that has ignited sharp debate in the tiny Northern Virginia city.

The council gave preliminary approval to the measure Nov. 23 by a 4 to 3 vote. To change the 2010 election scheduled for May to November, the council would have to adopt the measure by majority vote at the Monday session to meet a deadline imposed by law. The council is also considering a proposal to further study the measure and schedule a referendum.

The proposal to hold autumn elections has sparked a controversy in the city of 11,000 people. Backers say the change would save money and boost voter participation. Opponents say moving the election date could shield the city's political leadership from voters' wrath as officials struggle with a nasty hole in the budget.

City Attorney John Foster estimated that the switch could save $18,000 every two years. Backers also say past election data offer proof that more people go to the polls during state and national elections.

But opponents fear that voters who cast ballots in national or state elections in November will be less familiar with close-to-home matters that could affect them. They also worry that fall elections will inevitably take on a partisan cast.

Sam Mabry, a former council member and vice mayor, said he thinks the interest in moving the elections to November coincides with the recent discovery of an unexpected $4 million gap in the city budget, which could force tax increases and service cuts."

Read the full story.

This is a big year for Virginia as we will elect a new Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General on November 3. We also have the privilege of voting in House of Delegates races.

As a homeowner you have additional interests and concerns about who will lead our state over the next few years. Real estate taxes, property rights, economic development, transportation, and education are just a few issues that our elected officials will make decisions on which will affect the value of your home.

Here's a step-by-step guide to helping to ensure that your voice is heard on Election Day, November 3.

Voter Registration
The first step to becoming an informed voter is to get registered, and you do that through the Board of Elections (BOE). The deadline to register is 5 p.m. on October 5. All you have to do is download the voter registration form (click here for a list of all BOE forms), and mail it in before the deadline.

If you've moved recently, submit a new Voter Registration form with your new residence address by the voter registration deadline of October 5.

Not sure if you're registered for the right polling place? Want to know if your polling place has moved? Then check out the BOE's voter information Web site.

Polling Places
On November 3, go to your assigned polling place (find out where it is here) and bring government issued identification such as a driver's license or passport. Polls are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. You must be in line before 7 p.m. to have your vote counted.

Absentee Ballots
If you're uncertain if you’ll be able to make it to your polling place on Election Day, its best to be safe and vote by absentee ballot.

To vote by absentee ballot, you must first complete the absentee ballot application (get it here). The application must be received by your city or county voter registration office before October 27 at 5 p.m.

Once your absentee ballot application has been processed you will receive an absentee ballot, which must be completed and returned to your city or county voter registration office before November 3 at 7 p.m.

To ensure that your vote is counted, be sure to register as soon as possible, and if you are voting by absentee ballot, submit it early.

Need more help?
Contact your local General Registrar.