Welcome to a new limited series! For the next several weeks I’ll be sharing tips and advice from local professionals on topics that might not have been covered in your schooling. Whether you’re a teen getting ready to strike out on your own or an adult who hasn’t had someone whom to ask these questions, the library is here for you! These events are happening in person at the West End Branch on a set of Mondays at 4pm for teens. The blog posts are for any teens that can’t attend or any adults who’d like the information as well.
Destiny Fleming: Office of Elections
My name is Destiny Fleming. I am a native of Richmond, VA. I have been in the COR; Office of Elections for a little over a year but had been an election officer since 2008. I had just had my 18th birthday, and my Aunt Deborah who had been working as an election officer for over 20 years, told me it was my time. I went to city Hall, signed my election officer oath, and that was the beginning. I’ve been consumed ever since! I find working on this side of politics and elections to be most rewarding. It’s not only a civic duty but a privilege and much needed service to the community. My goal is that of the office, to host fair and just elections, inform the Richmond City residence of all election related news, and to partner with the public. I whole heartedly believe that your voice is your vote. One of my favorite quotes is from Jens Stolenberg, “By voting, we add out voice to the chorus that forms opinions and the basis for actions.”
First things first, when can someone first register to vote?
The first opportunity to vote is when you’re 18 years old (any person who is 17 years old and will be eighteen years of age at the next general election shall be permitted to register in advance and also vote in any intervening primary or special election).
General Elections deadlines are 22 days before election.
Primary Elections deadlines are 22 days before election.
Special Elections deadlines are 14 days before election.
Special Elections (Called by the Governor) deadlines are 7 days before election.
Voters may register through Election Day, and vote using a provisional ballot.
Upcoming election dates can be found here.
How and where can registering be done?
Online Registration
Local voter registration office
Download a PDF copy of the registration form (En Español) (Tiếng Việt) (한 국어)
State or local government offices when applying or re-certifying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, or Rehabilitation Services.
Government offices in the State that provide State-funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to person with disabilities
Armed forces recruitment offices
Public libraries
Virginia Department of Elections office
Department of Motor Vehicles offices
Voter Registration Drives
How many different kinds of elections are there?
There are three kinds of elections.
A General Election every November.
A Primary Election almost every June (except for the Presidential Primary which is in March).
And a Special Election which can be whenever.
How can someone find out what district they’re in and where they need to go to vote when
it’s time?
Find out what district you are in by calling the office at (804) 646-5950 or visit us at
https://www.rva.gov/elections/precincts . You can also visit the VA Department of Elections at
https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/polling
What’s the best way to keep a finger on the pulse of local politics?
You can also watch the local news, listen to local radio stations, and pick up the Richmond
Times Dispatch. Visit our website at www.rva.gov; Follow us on social media!
Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: rva_votes
What trusted resources would you recommend for someone to look into the values, goals, and past decisions of candidates for each election?
For local candidates, your best resource is the Richmond Times Dispatch.
For candidates running for state office, it’s the Richmond Times Dispatch and the Virginia Mercury.
Talk to us about how important it is to vote.
Voting is important for a multitude of reasons! It is essentially the foundation of our
democracy.
Voting is now a constitutional right but has not always been that way.
Allows you to have a say in government by voting the person or people that have the same views as your own.
You get a cool sticker!
Shape your future, be a part of the process!
Summary
Voting is how you get your voice heard from your local neighborhood all the way up to a national level. Every vote counts and it’s such an important step in our democracy. As always, I’ve put together a small list of books below for more information. Another online resource the we offer is digital access to the Richmond Times Dispatch newspaper and many others. All you have to do is type in your library card number then choose the publication or type in the subject that you want to read about.
