Rep. James Walkinshaw delivers a victory speech at an election night party in Alexandria on Nov. 3, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)
Ballots are still being tallied, but Virginia Sen. Mark Warner and the three incumbent Democratic Congressmen representing parts of Fairfax County have all claimed victory in today’s general election.
Statewide, Democrats can also celebrate the expected passage of three amendments to Virginia’s constitution that will protect access to abortion and other reproductive health care, eliminate an outdated ban on same-sex marriage and restore voting rights to people convicted of felonies after they finish serving their prison sentence.
A vote here sign outside the Vienna Community Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Election Day has been unfolding smoothly in Fairfax County, as local officials reported a steady but manageable stream of voters visiting the polls to help determine control of Congress, among other issues.
As of noon, 13.3% of the county’s approximately 824,000 registered voters have cast a ballot today (Tuesday), according to the Fairfax County Office of Elections. That brings the total turnout so far up to 41.2% when coupled with a strong showing for early voting of 27.9% or over 227,000 voters.
A vehicle parked at South Lakes Drive Park in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is contemplating some significant upgrades to South Lakes Drive Park in Reston.
The proposed renovation is among the projects that could be funded by the 2026 Park Bond if voters approve a referendum on the ballot in today’s general election. The measure would provide a total of $180 million for FCPA facility renovations, maintenance, construction and land acquisition.
The Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)
Virginia’s Court of Appeals has upheld a Maryland man’s conviction on malicious wounding and firearms charges, ruling that a Fairfax County trial judge found an appropriate remedy for the prosecution’s failure to disclose information favorable to the defense.
An attorney for Collins Agyei had argued that the charges against him should’ve been fully dismissed by the Fairfax County Circuit Court in December 2024 due to a failure of prosecutors to disclose an admitted error in testimony, among other legal contentions.
Architectural rendering of the proposed Courthouse Plaza redevelopment in Fairfax City (via Combined Properties/City of Fairfax)
A split Fairfax City Planning Commission on Oct. 26 recommended approval of Combined Properties’ most recent redevelopment plan for the Courthouse Plaza shopping center.
The 4-2 vote came after some residents raised concerns about a host of issues, including the property’s overall size, height and impact on the surrounding Old Town Fairfax community.
A pond by Daniels Run Trail and Blenheim Blvd in Fairfax City on a fall afternoon (photo by Susan Woolsey)
Polls Open for Election Day — Polling places across Fairfax County opened at 6 a.m. today (Tuesday) and will continue operating until 7 p.m. “Voters will decide federal races, three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution and two Fairfax County bond referendums. Town of Herndon voters will also elect a mayor and Town Council members.” [Fairfax County Government]
Park Authority Advocates for Bond Funding — The Fairfax County Park Authority Board is urging voters to approve a $180 park bond referendum on the ballot for today’s election. The funds would help “maintain and enhance our parks and position them to provide recreation and services for current residents and future generations,” board chair Timothy Hackman says. [Press release]
Spanberger Supports School Funding Formula Overhaul — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger said on Oct. 29 that she is committed to adjusting Virginia’s K-12 funding formula, after a state research group found it needs substantial changes and advanced a plan to hire an expert tasked with studying a new funding mechanism for up to 24 months.” [Virginia Mercury]
Football Fans Briefly Locked in at Vienna Metro — “Metro is apologizing after fans reported getting stuck in a Virginia Metro station following the Washington Commanders’ Sunday Night Football victory. A spokesperson for the transit system said on X, formerly Twitter, that a miscommunication led to customers being locked inside the Vienna Metro station.” [WUSA9]
Fairfax Man Sentenced for Jail Deputy Attacks — “A Fairfax man was sentenced Oct. 22 to 10 years and six months in prison for attacks on two Loudoun County jail deputies, according to the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.” The man pleaded guilty to four charges after exposing himself and punching one deputy last year and assaulting another deputy this past May. [Patch]
Herndon Accepted Into Main Street Program — “The Town of Herndon has been accepted as an Exploring Main Street (EMS) community, a part of the Virginia Main Street program. The acceptance marks an important milestone in the Town’s efforts to support local businesses and develop a sustainable, community-driven approach to strengthening and revitalizing downtown Herndon.” [Town of Herndon]
McLean Restaurant Plans Grand Opening — “We’re throwing a Grand Opening Party and you’re invited! Join us Saturday, November 7th, from 11am-3pm at Surfside McLean for an afternoon of tacos, live music, free samples, scratch-offs, face painting, and plenty of fun for the whole family!” [Surfside/Instagram]
Local Immigrants Share Stories — “People from various countries shared stories of hope, hard times, resilience, and success at a celebration for National Immigrants Day on Oct. 31 in Annandale. The event, organized by the Asian American Community Center, was held at American Legion Post 1976 and also featured Asian food, entertainment, and a display of dozens of international flags on the hill at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space.” [Annandale Today]
It’s Tuesday — Mostly sunny with a high near 73. Calm winds will become southerly at 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 52 and south winds at 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]
Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.
Always Becoming: Next Chapter Join artist Nora Naranjo Morse (Kha’p’o Owenge ([Santa Clara Pueblo]), creator of Always Becoming… [Announcement]
Artful Evenings: Water’s Edge with Artist Sky Hopinka Reserve your spot for an after-hour event with multi-disciplinary artist Sky Hopinka, Thursday… [Announcement]
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Fairfax County, from our event calendar.
Dialogue for Democracy Nov 3: Dialogue for Democracy invites high school students from across the DMV to George Mason University. [Event]
How Retirement Communities Work – A Free Workshop Nov 4: Interested in learning about how Continuing Care Retirement Communities work, but don’t know where to start? Join us on 11/4 to learn more! [Event]
🎗️ Do It for Dan Fall Fundraiser Nov 8: Join the Do It For Dan Foundation on Nov. 8 at Caboose Commons for live music, trivia, raffles & more, benefiting lung cancer research at Inova Schar Cancer Institute. [Event]
Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan Nov 12: Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan makes a stop at Mosaic District [Event]
Who Am I Now? Identity and Possibility in the Menopause Transition Nov 15: Educational presentation about identity and possibility in the menopause transition [Event]
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Nov 15: Northern Virginia Fairfax Families for Safe Streets (NoVA FSS) cordially invites you to attend… [Event]
Catholic University Symphony Orchestra in Concert Nov 15: Free Concert with Full Symphony Color and Majestic Organ Sound in Clifton! [Event]
BrownTown Comedy at the DC Improv!!!! Nov 16: Best and brownest comics at DC Improv [Event]
Early voting at the Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Election Day is still a day away, but Fairfax County voters have already been surging to the polls as part of a statewide and nationwide upswing in early voting.
More than 227,000 county voters have already cast their ballots for the Nov. 3 election through early voting, which concluded at 5 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 31), according to data from the Virginia Department of Elections collected by the nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP).
Concessions area in AMC Theatres at Tysons Corner Center (courtesy AMC Theatres)
Whether they’re interested in supervillain body horror or romancing a wicker basket brought to life, moviegoers can now immerse themselves in a full sensory experience when visiting AMC Theatres at Tysons Corner Center.
The movie theater has unveiled a 4DX option as part of a multi-million-dollar overhaul that was substantially completed last Friday (Oct. 30). Under construction since March, the project added three premium large-format auditoriums, while also updating the seating, box office and MacGuffins Bar.
When Herndon voters head to the polls tomorrow (Tuesday), they will have a dozen candidates to choose from for the next town council, including five incumbents and a diverse slate of challengers.
Justin Britt is hopeful that his multi-faceted connection to the town as a longtime resident and community volunteer who also owns a small business will distinguish him in a crowded field of contenders.
