PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — It’s impossible to determine the one culprit that led to the long lines at polling places on Election Day in 2012, because there were many.
Unusually high voter turnout, malfunctioning voting equipment and the lack of extra voting machines, voters whose names did not properly appear on voter roll books, voting precincts that have too many residents and are too crowded, and too many problems during the voter check in process at the polls, led to long lines. Some polls closed about 11 p.m., according to a final report from the bipartisan Prince William County Election Task Force.
The commission was convened shortly after last year’s election as officials, both on the local and federal levels, wanted to know why so many people had to wait two or more hours in line to cast their votes. At Potomac Middle School in Woodbridge where the last vote was cast at 10:45 p.m., some waited more than four hours to vote.
Two other problematic polling places in Prince William County — Dumfries Town Hall and Fred M. Lynn Middle School in Woodbridge — were places where some of the last votes of the day were cast.
77 total voting precincts in Prince William County
Polls closed at 7 p.m.
Last voter check in at more than half of polls in Prince William County was 8 p.m.
3 polls had last voter check in by 10 p.m.
Last voter River Oaks Precinct (Potomac Middle School) 10:46 p.m.
5% of total ballots cast in Prince William, 6.14% on cast on Election Day, done after 7 p.m.
-Election commission report findings
On Election Day there were several accusations of voter suppression. The commission found “no evidence of a concerted effort to commit voter fraud in the county, or any concerted effort of voter suppression,” the final report states.
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to accept the report, and to move forward with several recommendations the task force made, which included:
Subdivide precincts larger than 4,000 voters into smaller districts
Allocate voter resources based on actual number of registered voters in precinct, not based on the number of voters who cast ballots in the past two years
Provide adequate funding, personnel, parking for polling places
Ensure schools that serve as polling places are fully closed on Election Day
Promote absentee voting
Use laptop computers instead of paper roll books at voter check in
Keep additional voting equipment hand in case of equipment failure
Complete the purchase of new voting equipment, have in place for 2015 Election prior to 2016 Presidential Election.
“If we had more voting machines we could have processed more quickly,” said commission Chairman James Young.
The commission overwhelmingly stated voters in Prince William County should not wait more than 30 minutes to cast their ballot.
Recent Stories
Rappahannock Education Farm (REF) Manager Rich Larochelle said he and a squad of volunteers prepped a 360-square-foot plot of Fredericksburg farmland to plant hundreds of seeds of produce last week.
Stafford County Sheriff is asking for public assistance in investigating an April 12 shooting.
On April 13 at 8:12 p.m., officers responded to the Walmart located at 14000 Worth Avenue in Woodbridge to investigate an unattended child.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office needs your help identifying this individual involved in a recent larceny in Stafford Market Place.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!
Why Choose Us?
Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
