Drop Box Available For Absentee Ballots In Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH, VA — A secure drop-off box is an option for returning absentee ballots for City of Falls Church voters when the early voting period begins on Sept. 18.

The Virginia General Assembly voted to permit drop boxes as election officials see an increased demand for absentee voting for the Nov. 3 election. The drop box is located outside City Hall at 300 Park Avenue. It is under 24 hour surveillance by the Falls Church Police Department and is available any hour of the day through 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.

On Sept. 15, Falls Church's registrar Dave Bjerke reported that the office mailed out over 3,100 ballots that day, and the drop box was open.

Voters should follow the instructions included with the ballot and return it to the Falls Church elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. If you are returning the ballot by-mail, it must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the office by noon on the third day after the election (Nov. 6).

Residents can track their ballot's delivery status through Ballot Scout and confirm it has been received through the Virginia Department of Elections.

Another option is in-person early voting from Sept. 18 through Oct. 31 at the Office of Elections in City Hall. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as Saturdays, Oct. 24 and 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on observed holidays. Voting booths have been set up in the main lobby to promote social distancing. Face coverings are required inside City Hall.

Curbside voting is available only for voters over the age of 65 or with physical limitations by calling the Office of Elections upon arrival at 703-248-5085 (TTY 711).

Voters no longer need an excuse for early voting 45 days before an election due to new state legislation. Voters still have to show an acceptable form of identification to vote in person, but it no longer has to be a photo ID.

The Nov. 3 election will include races for president and vice president of the United States, one member of the U.S. Senate, the member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the 8th congressional district, two amendments to the Constitution of Virginia, and a seat on the City Council. A sample ballot is now available for City of Falls Church voters.

Voters can submit an application for an absentee ballot, register to vote or check registration status, and check their polling place at vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation.

Here are the key dates to remember:

• Friday, Sept. 18 — Early voting begins by mail and in person at City Hall.
• Tuesday, Oct. 13 — Last day to register to vote or update registration for the Nov. 3 election. The deadline is 5 p.m. in person and 11:59 p.m. online.
• Friday, Oct. 23 — Application deadline to request an absentee ballot be mailed.
• Saturday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. — Deadline to vote early in person.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. — Deadline to return completed ballot to the elections office. If returning your ballot by-mail, it must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the elections office by noon on the third day after the election (Nov. 3).
• Tuesday, Nov. 3 — Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information, visit www.fallschurchva.gov/vote.