Drop Box Available For Absentee Ballots In Manassas

MANASSAS, VA — A secure drop-off box is an option for returning absentee ballots for City of Manassas voters during the early voting period. 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 in Manassas is located outside the registrar's office at 9025 Center St. in Manassas. The box is available for use at any time of the day and has 24-hour video security surveillance.

In-person early absentee voting has already started in earnest in Manassas. Only six people are permitted inside the voter registrar's office for social distancing reasons.

In-person early voting runs through Oct. 31 at the registrar's office. Accessible equipment and curbside voting is available upon request at the office by calling 703-257-8230.

Voters should follow the instructions included with the ballot and return it to the Manassas 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.

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 10th congressional district and two amendments to the Constitution of Virginia. Elections for mayor, city council and school board are also on the ballot in Manassas. The Manassas elections office has provided a sample ballot.

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:

• 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 at Manassas elections office.
• 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 the Manassas Voter Registration and Elections website.