Board of County Supervisors Expands Access to Early Voting

The Board of County Supervisors voted to establish voter satellite office locations during their meeting on May 14 to expand access to early voting. This action will increase the number of voting locations for better voter access and balance, use the same voting locations for consistency, adjust the start dates of satellite location openings and codify satellite locations for special elections. These changes will go into effect for the 2024 November general election pending approval by the Attorney General of Virginia; it does not impact the current primary election.

The goal of early voting is to provide sufficient access for all early voters, ensure a geographic balance for consistency and be cost effective. The Board’s action will expand the number of satellite locations to consistently five locations for all elections, providing more Prince William County residents with improved voting opportunities.

In addition, the satellite offices will be open for one week during primary elections, including Sundays, two weeks for general elections and three weeks for presidential general elections. This benefits voters by providing broader access to early voting during the most popular times. It could also be more cost effective by having election officers work during these times, rather than when voters have historically not shown up to vote. The amended ordinance also expands popular weekend voting and codifies Sunday voting.

“The Office of Elections recommended these changes based on data and best practices in election management,” said Eric Olsen, Director of Elections. “We appreciate the Board making these changes, as it will expand options for our voters here in Prince William County starting this November.”

You can read the Office of Elections report here, or for any information related to voting, please visit PWCVOTES.org.