Countywide

Polls open for Va. gubernatorial election after strong early voting period across Fairfax County

By Jared Serre
A “vote here” sign outside the PARC at Tysons, one of Fairfax County’s polling precincts (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Voters across Virginia are now casting their Election Day ballots, but many in Fairfax County have no need for a last-minute trip to their polling place.

Just shy of 190,000 voters in Fairfax County cast a ballot during the early voting period, which ran from Sept. 19 through 5 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 1). That’s a jump of 7.4% compared to 2021, which is the last time the three statewide races were on the ballot.

Fairfax City saw an even greater turnout rate, with 5,129 ballots being cast — an increase of 11.6% compared to 2021, according to data from the Virginia Public Access Project.

The turnout numbers pale in comparison to last year’s presidential election, though, falling by 43.8% in the county and 40.5% in the city. Turnout during presidential elections, both early and overall, tends to be much higher than in other years.

Where can I vote?

Unlike during early voting, Election Day voters must go to specific locations to cast their ballots. These polling places are based on the address where voters are registered.

There are 266 total precincts across Fairfax County, plus an additional six within Fairfax City. Voters can find their polling location online via Virginia’s Department of Elections.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. this morning across Fairfax County and will remain open through 7 p.m. Voters who get in line before 7 p.m. will still be allowed to vote after that time.

Who is on the ballot?

Ballots are highlighted by Virginia’s three statewide races: governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

In the governor’s race, former U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D) appears to be leading Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, the incumbent lieutenant governor.

Vying to succeed Sears as lieutenant governor are Republican John Reid, a businessman and broadcaster, and Democrat Ghazala Hashmi, who represents part of Richmond in the Virginia Senate.

Incumbent Republican attorney general Jason Miyares is running for reelection against Democrat Jay Jones, a former member of the House of Delegates.

Democrats hope to expand a slim majority in the House of Delegates, while Republicans compete to flip the chamber. Fairfax County has 15 state delegate seats on the ballot — all of them currently filled by Democrats who are seeking reelection:

Map of Fairfax County’s current state House districts (via Fairfax County)

Voters will also consider whether to support a school bond referendum that would allow the county to “contract a debt, borrow money, and issue capital improvement bonds” worth up to $460 million. The funds would finance Fairfax County Public Schools renovation and construction projects.

The only hyper-local contest on today’s ballot is the Vienna Town Council race. All seven seats are up for grabs, including mayor, though incumbent Linda Colbert is running unopposed. Vying for the remaining six seats are seven candidates, who discussed their priorities and topics like street trees, development and affordable housing at a forum on Oct. 18:

  • Daniel R. “Dann” Nash (WG Construction chief operating officer)
  • Howard J. Springsteen (incumbent)
  • Charles L. “Chuck” Anderson (incumbent)
  • Douglas K. “Doug” Francis (North East Vienna Citizens Association vice president)
  • Roy J. Baldwin (incumbent)
  • Sandra D. Allen (incumbent)
  • Jessica H. Ramakis (incumbent)

District map via Fairfax County

About the Author

  • Jared Serre covers local business, public safety and breaking news across Local News Now's websites. Originally from Northeast Ohio, he is a graduate of West Virginia University. He previously worked with Law360 before joining LNN in May 2024.