Early in-person voting begins today

Voters are encouraged to use an ExpressVote machine.

Early in-person voting begins on Friday, Sept. 17, at three locations for the Nov. 2 election. 

Voters will select a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and member of the House of Delegates. There is also a $360 million public school bond on the ballot.

The early voting locations are the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Conference Rooms 2/3); the Mt. Vernon Government Center (2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria); and the North County Government Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston). 

Thirteen additional early voting locations will open Oct. 21, including the Mason Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale) and Thomas Jefferson Library (7415 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 

Registered voters can vote at any of the early voting locations. The last day to vote early in person is Oct. 30. 

Early voters will be offered the use of an electronic ballot-marking machine called ExpressVote, the Office of Elections states. Instead of filling out their ballot by hand, voters use the machine’s touch screen. ExpressVote prints out a paper ballot that voters use to cast their vote in the voting machine just as they would with a ballot marked by hand. 

While the county has offered ExpressVote for many years, election officials are strongly encouraging its wider use this year. It produces an auditable paper ballot, ensures that voters don’t miss any races on the ballot, and prevents them from accidentally voting for more than one candidate per office. 

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Voters need to show identification but no longer need to produce a photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, and driver’s license. 

To vote early by mail, request a ballot from the Virginia Department of Elections by Oct. 22. 

Cast ballots can be returned by mail or can be put in a drop-off box at any early voting site during the hours they’re open. There is also a secure, 24-hour drop-off box outside the Fairfax County Government Center.

Voters must sign the return envelope. A witness signature is also required.