Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson warned that this November’s election could look very different from elections in the past, and encouraged residents to request mail-in ballots if possible.
“We absolutely encourage residents to vote by mail if they can or take advantage of some of the in-person absentee voting that will become available,” Wilson said in a town hall meeting last night. “This is the first election in Virginia history where no excuse is required for absentee balloting. You can say you would like a mail ballot and you can get one.”
While the number of polling places was limited for the Republican primary, Wilson said they will try to have as many open for the November general election as possible. As a presidential election, Wilson said it was likely to see high levels of voter turnout.
Wilson said if a resident applies for the ballot, they will get it in late September. Once the ballot is received, Wilson said voters should fill it out and turn it back in as quickly as possible.
“Fortunately we have an election where there is not a lot of doubt for most voters on where they are going,” Wilson said, “so hopefully they can make decisions quickly.”
One issue that remains unclear is whether Alexandria can implement some form of dropbox voting. It’s an issue Wilson said the state legislature is likely to rule on.
“Some jurisdictions have said it’s legal, others say it isn’t,” Wilson said. “I think this could be really beneficial for us. I know residents are worried about the U.S. mail and the security of ballots.”
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
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St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool, a play-based, half-day preschool in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria has limited openings for the ’23-’24 school year.
SPEP offers:
- 18 month old – Kindergarten classes
- Full day Kindergarten option (3 days/week)
- Early Care
- Transportation (ages 3+)
- Weekly Field Trips (ages 3+)
- Financial Aid available
Monarch Montessori School located in the heart of Del Ray is enrolling children 6 weeks to 6 years of age for our half day and full day program.
Our hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Monarch Montessori School is open year round, with intermittent breaks.
Children engage in self-directed, self-initiated activities under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Classroom sizes range from 8-12 students. Our robust curriculum includes botany, sensorial activities, the social graces, culture, math, science, practical life, geography, music appreciation and language arts.
You’ll get half off of the registration fee when you register and begin care with us before April 30, 2023.
2023 Alexandria Scottish Rite Friends & Family Charity Event
On Saturday Evening May 6th, 2023, at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, the Valley of Alexandria Scottish Rite will be holding its annual charity fundraiser for kids with speech and language disabilities. This event is open to the public.
Del Ray Dog Fest & Yappy Hour
The 1st Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is a fun outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food on Sunday, April 2 from 11am- 3pm at the George Washington Middle School parking lot.