Election Day 2021 is nearly here. On November 2, Virginians will vote for our Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and every seat in the House of Delegates. Remember: The last day to register to vote or update your registration is Tuesday, October 12. In this newsletter, you will find information on how to vote early, get involved in this election, plus more district news.
Vote!
ICYMI: Polls are open in Virginia! Prince William County residents may cast their vote early Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm, at any of these three locations:
- Prince William County Office of Elections, 9250 Lee Ave, Ste 1, Manassas
- Haymarket Gainesville Community Library, 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket
- Department of Motor Vehicles Woodbridge Customer Service Center, Elections Office, 2731 Caton Hill Road, Woodbridge
The early voting sites listed above will expand their hours beginning October 9. They will open from 8:30am-noon on Saturday, October 9 and 16; from 8:30am-5pm on Saturday, October 23 and 30; and from 1-5pm on Sunday, October 24.
Beginning October 18, two additional early voting sites will open in Bristow and Dumfries:
- Brentsville Courthouse Historic district, 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow
- Dumfries Community Center, 17755 Main Street, Dumfries
The two sites listed above will be open 8:30am-5pm Monday-Friday and 8:30am-5pm on Saturday, October 23 and 30.
You may also vote by mail. Request a mail-in ballot before Friday, October 22, at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/absentee.
Election Day is November 2, 2021, but there’s no need to wait until then to cast your vote. Virginia no longer requires an excuse to vote early or by mail! Find more information at https://www.pwcvotes.org/.
Keep Virginia Blue
I am asking you to help us keep Virginia blue! Please volunteer!
- Sign up to volunteer at the Dumfries early voting site with the Prince William County Democrats.
- Then, request a yard sign to show your support!
Community Policing Act Report Released
In September, the Department of Criminal Justice Service released its comprehensive report on traffic stop data collected under my 2020 Community Policing Act. Last year – for the first time – all Virginia law enforcement agencies were required to record information such as the driver’s race, age, gender, reason for the traffic stop, and stop outcome (e.g. warning, ticket, or arrest). The formal analysis of the first nine months of this data reveals an overrepresentation of Black and Latino drivers in statewide traffic stops. News coverage of this report is available here. See the report itself here. Review the Community Policing Act data dashboard here.
Free Medical Transportation for NOVA Vets
The NOVA Veterans Association and Dulles Area Transportation Association have partnered to offer free transportation to medical appointments and COVID-19 vaccinations for veterans in Northern Virginia. This federally funded program applies to veterans living in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Prince William County.
Veterans who are disabled or over age 65 are eligible for round-trip, no-cost taxi service to COVID-19 vaccination appointments and other medical appointments, including appointments at the VA hospital in Washington, DC. This program also offers wheelchair accessible transportation. For more information, please contact NOVA Veterans at 703-659-0788 or melissa@novavets.org.
Meeting with Young Constituents on Clean Air & Water
Last month, I enjoyed my virtual meeting with a local delegation from Y Street – the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth’s teen volunteer initiative. Y Street activists work to prevent youth tobacco use and promote health lifestyles in their communities.
I spoke with two members from Potomac High School on their “Share the Air” and “Rev Your Bev” campaigns which promote tobacco-free public spaces and access to drinking water in schools. I’m proud to represent such committed, impressive, and effective young people here in the 52nd district.
New Endorsements
Since the last 52nd District newsletter, my re-election campaign has received some exciting new endorsements. I now have endorsements from: the Prince William County Chamber; the Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association union; SEIU Virginia 512 and 32BJ – Virginia’s home care, public service, and property services unions; and Freedom Virginia – an organization fighting for economic justice policies like paid sick days.
Please reach out if I can be of assistance or answer any questions. You can always contact us at info@delegatetorian.com or 703-785-2224.