Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Early voting is underway in Salem for the Nov. 4 General Election, and local election officials are encouraging residents to cast their ballots early or make sure they’re registered before the upcoming deadline.
According to Salem Director of Elections Benjamin Leeson, nearly 3,000 voters have already cast their ballots through early voting or mail absentee voting as of Tuesday morning. That number is on track to match or exceed turnout from the last gubernatorial election in 2021, when 4,249 people voted early or by mail.
“I think we can contribute that to early voting being more established this time around,” Leeson said. “A lot of people are taking advantage of the process, and we tend to see more voters come in as we get closer to the last day.”
Early voting continues through Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Registrar’s Office Annex, located in the trailer behind 19 E. Clay St. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Leeson said he encourages voters to take advantage of early voting days to avoid long lines on Election Day. “Come in and vote. Get it out of the way as soon as you can,” he said.
The deadline to register to vote or update registration information is Friday, Oct. 24. Mailed applications must be postmarked by that date, and online or in-person submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day, though ballots cast that way are provisional and reviewed after the election.
The last day to request a ballot by mail is also Oct. 24. Completed mail ballots must be returned to the Salem Registrar’s Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day if dropped off in person, or postmarked by Nov. 4 and received by noon on Nov. 7 to be counted.
Drop-off ballot stations are located at the Registrar’s Office during early voting hours and at the Salem Civic Center lobby on Election Day, Nov. 4, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. All Salem voters will cast their ballots in person at the Salem Civic Center.
This year’s ballot includes statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general, as well as the House of Delegates 40th District. Locally, Salem voters will choose the city’s commonwealth’s attorney, sheriff, commissioner of revenue, and treasurer.
Leeson noted that Virginia is drawing national attention this year as one of only two states holding a gubernatorial election. “The entire country is watching us,” he said. “Virginia is considered a bellwether state. While this isn’t a presidential election, it’s our time to shine, and I’d encourage everyone to get out and participate.”
For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website or contact the Salem Registrar’s Office at 540-375-3034.
