Meridian students are among the voters preparing to vote in the upcoming elections on Nov. 5. Seniors who are eligible to vote are excited to cast their ballot for the first time. They are considering how they will evolve as citizens and realize their efficacy.
For example, senior Owen Hoffman said he plans to “learn a lot more about the city environment” in order to make an informed decision.
In the city elections, Laura Downs and John Murphy are running in a special election to fill the remainder of former City Council member Caroline Lian’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2025. Lian vacated her seat in August amid investigations regarding her employment.
Furthermore, incumbent Don Beyer is facing three opponents, including republican Jerry Torres. In the election for the U.S. Senate, Democrat incumbent Tim Kaine and Republican Hung Cao are vying for the seat. Finally, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are competing for the Oval Office, along with Independents and candidates from the Green and Libertarian parties.
To one senior who requested to remain anonymous, voting is an opportunity to have the official ability to help make decisions in our government for the first time.
“You have a right and a responsibility to vote and look at the things you want to happen in this country, the world around you, and vote for the people who will emulate that behavior.”
To fulfill this responsibility, citizens can vote on election day or through absentee voting, also known as early voting. Citizens do not need an excuse to absentee vote. One may submit their ballot in-person during a designated time period at the local voter office (300 Park Ave, Falls Church; Room 206). The other option is to request an absentee ballot to be delivered through the mail; one can mail it back or return it to the ballot box located at City Hall. The Falls Church Police Department secures and monitors the ballot box.
Librarian Ms. Logan Russo voted through the absentee ballot the first time she voted in a Presidential election.
“It was 2004, and it was the hot election with President Bush. I was studying abroad at the time so I had
to vote absentee.”
Ms. Russo said she still votes absentee when she “can’t get to the polling place.”
“I vote by mail, and it’s a lot easier.”
For those who are voting or have family members voting, note the important locations and dates listed below.
Ward one will vote at Oak Street Elementary School; Wards two and three will vote at the Falls Church Community Center. Falls Green Apartments, which used to serve as a polling place, is no longer a polling destination. One’s address determines their ward.
Sep. 20 was the first day for early voting at the local voter office in Falls Church
Oct. 15 was the last day to register or update your address to vote in a regular ballot.
Oct. 25 is the last day to request an absentee mailed ballot.
On Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, the local voter office is open for in-person voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Oct. 27, the local voter office is open for in-person voting from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
