Prince William County Voting Registrar Michele White said she can’t afford to pay poll workers across five Saturdays leading up to Election Day, November 5, to allow people to cast an absentee ballot (AB).
But, the county’s Democrat-controlled Electoral Board says they’ll keep them as planned [Prince William Times].
- Board Chairman Keith Scarborough told The Times this was not the election year to cut back on absentee voting days.
- “We might have to seriously consider cutting back on absentee voting for the March primary and the June primary,” Scarborough said of next year’s elections. “But this is the election that has the most impact on the most people.”
This year’s November 5 election is an “off-off” year election with local and state races up for grabs, where voter turnout most likely won’t top 30%.
- Next November’s Presidential Election could bring double the voter turnout.
- 71% of registered voters in Prince William County voted in the November 2016 General Presidential Election.
- 15% voted in a March 2016 Democratic Primary.
- 17% voted in a June 2016 Republican Primary.
During an emergency meeting held Tuesday in Manassas, White suggested cutting all but two AB voting days, October 21, and November 2.
- The move was expected to save about $16,000.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors awarded White’s office a 26% budget increase this year.
- It came after voters experienced poll worker shortages in the November 2018 Election.
- Prince William County had the second-highest number of voter complaints of any Virginia jurisdiction that year.
- An email produced by White’s office states that, despite the budget increase, “Michele is fearful that under the recent directives and of discussions with the Electoral Board, the office will continue to operate beyond our budget and diminish her credibility…”
Voters will be able to cast an AB on these dates at the General Registrar’s office on Lee Avenue, across the county courthouse in Manassas, at a DMV on Caton Hill Road in Woodbridge, and at the Gainesville-Haymarket Regional Library in Haymarket on Oct. 21 and November 2.
- People can also cast their votes at these same locations Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5 p.m.
The elections office had been allowing ABs since an April 2017 Special Election for Clerk of the Circuit Court. An email from the Registrar’s office said officials “may have misstepped” when it offered these many AB days, incorrectly thinking it could absorb the additional cost.
AB voting in the state begins Friday, with 45 days left to go before the election.
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
—
King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
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Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
