News

Notes: Early voting opens today in Alexandria for November election

By Ryan Belmore

Good Friday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Expect sunny skies and a high near 87 degrees during the day, accompanied by a light northwest wind at 3 to 5 mph. As we transition into Friday night, skies will be partly cloudy with a low around 64 degrees. The wind will become calm, shifting to a gentle northeast breeze of around 5 mph after midnight.

🚨 You need to know

Alexandria residents can begin casting their ballots today as early voting opens for the November 4 General Election, offering voters six weeks to participate in contests that will shape Virginia’s political landscape for the next four years.

The ballot includes high-profile statewide races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General, along with local contests for House of Delegates, Commonwealth’s Attorney, and Sheriff. Early voting begins at the Office of Voter Registration & Elections at 132 N. Royal Street, where voters can cast ballots Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 1. The office will be closed on Monday, October 13 for the federal holiday.

To accommodate working voters, Alexandria is expanding early voting hours and locations as Election Day approaches. The voter registration office will offer extended weekday hours and weekend access, including Saturdays October 18 and 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, October 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the final week before the November 1 early voting deadline, the office will stay open until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library on Duke Street will serve as a second early voting location starting October 24, offering convenient access for residents in the western part of the city. The library location will operate from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, with hours extending through Saturday, November 1.

Voters who prefer to cast ballots by mail must submit applications by 5 p.m. on October 24. Applications can be completed online at vote.elections.virginia.gov, downloaded from the city’s elections webpage, or requested by calling 703-746-4050. Mail-in ballots must be returned to the voter registration office by 7 p.m. on Election Day or postmarked by November 4 and received by noon on November 7. Drop boxes will be available at all polling locations on Election Day, plus a 24-hour secure drop box at the voter registration office and at the Beatley Library during early voting days.

Visit alexandriava.gov/Elections for complete election information, including voter registration requirements, sample ballots, precinct maps and ID requirements.

What else to know

‘Remembering the Titans’ 25th Anniversary Tonight – ACPS invites the community to celebrate the film’s anniversary and honor the 1971 T.C. Williams football team legacy. Pre-Game Tribute runs 4-5:30 p.m., followed by a home game. ALXnow will provide coverage of the event. Learn more.

Students Oppose DASH Bus Proposal – 60% of Alexandria City High students oppose replacing school buses with DASH transit, according to survey results presented to the school board Thursday. More coverage to come from the meeting. Read more.

Warner Slams Federal School Targeting – Sen. Warner criticized Trump administration targeting of Northern Virginia districts over transgender policies, responding to ALXnow’s question about funding cuts to Alexandria schools. Read more.

Dangerous Intersections Identified – New safety report highlights six critical Alexandria intersections after 318 near-miss incidents, with 47% involving children. Read more.

📈 Thursday’s most read

The following were the most-read ALXnow articles on Sept. 18, 2025:

  1. Former Alexandria City High swimmer Emil LaSida, 21, dies; held college records
  2. City bans youth mentor from rec centers for second time
  3. Safety report highlights dangerous Alexandria intersections after 318 near-miss incidents
  4. New farmers market opens Sept. 25 near King St.-Old Town Metro station
  5. Waterfront group proposes moving pump station to 1 Prince Street as city seeks design input

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on today and this weekend in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

Friday, Sept. 19

Things To Do

Organizing an event? Submit your event to ALXnow’s Event Calendar.

Live Music & Entertainment

  • 219 Restaurant – Holly Montgomery at 9 p.m.
  • Alexandria Bier Garden – Rebel Rose at 9:30 p.m.
  • Aslin ALX – Laughs & Drafts: Improv Comedy at 7 p.m. and Improv Comedy Jam at 8 p.m.
  • Augie’s Mussel House & Beer Garden – Live music at 5 p.m.
  • Blackwall Hitch – Timmie Metz Band at 9 p.m.
  • Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant – Kenny Kohlhaas at 9:30 p.m.
  • Del Ray Pizzeria – Karaoke at 9 p.m.
  • Hops N Shine – Live music at 6 p.m.
  • Laporta’s Restaurant – The Satin Doll Quartet at 7:30 p.m.
  • Makeda Restaurant – Mesfin & Tsehay at 10 p.m.
  • Mt. Purrnon Cat Cafe + Wine Bar – Tarot Readings at 6 p.m.
  • Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub – Tyler Goldstein and Lenny Burridge at 9 p.m.
  • O’Shaughnessy’s Pub – Lost and Sound at 9 p.m.
  • Rock It Grill – Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
  • The Birchmere – THE SECOND CITY Presents “Laugh Harder, Not Smarter” at 7:30 p.m.
  • The Light Horse – NoVa Buckshot at 9 p.m.
  • The Study at Morrison House – Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.

City Information & Meetings

City Government: OPEN | Flag Status: FULL STAFF | Trash Collection: ON TIME | Recycling Collection: ON TIME | Yard Waste Collection: ON TIME

City Meetings & Events:

  • 8 a.m. – In-Person Early Voting Begins at Office of Voter Registration & Elections

ACPS Meetings & Events:

  • 4 p.m. – Remembering the Titans 25th Anniversary Pre-Game Tribute

About the Author

  • Ryan Belmore is a journalist based in Alexandria, Virginia. He served as Publisher of ALXnow from March to October 2025. He can be reached at [email protected].