‘Record numbers’ of local voters voting early

Pulaski County voters are turning out in a big way since early voting opened in Virginia on Sept. 18.

“Record numbers” is how Kathy Webb, Director of Elections and General Registrar for Pulaski County responded when asked how many people had voted so far.

As of Thursday morning, Webb said her office had mailed 2,440 Absentee Ballots to county voters, and another 1,035 registered voters had already cast their ballots in person at the registrar’s office.

So far, 22,882 people have registered to vote in the Nov. 3 election. The deadline to register or to change your voter registration information so you can vote in the election is Oct. 13.

Mailed voter registration applications must be sent to the Pulaski County Voter Registration Office postmarked on or before the deadline.

Webb attributed the heavy early voting to citizens’ concerns over COVID-19.

“Voters are concerned for their health and want to explore ways to vote safely,” Webb said. “Voters are also excited about having the opportunity to vote early.”

Ballot drop boxes are available at the registrar’s office through Nov. 3 and at each precinct on Election Day, when polls are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

In-person absentee voting at the registrar’s office – located at 87 Commerce Street in Pulaski – is available between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday from now until Oct. 30.

The office will also be open two Saturdays – Oct. 24 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and Oct. 31 (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) – for in-person voting.

Absentee voting by mail is encouraged, with Friday, Oct. 23 being the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail.

ID is required to vote at the polls. Webb said masks are encouraged and appreciated. Social distancing will be practiced.

The Nov. 3 election features races for President and Vice President, U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, Commonwealth’s Attorney and two Constitutional Amendments.

See a sample ballot on the Nov. 3 election inside this week’s issue – and each week until the election.

For questions or other information, contact the registrar’s office at 540-980-2111, or go to www.pulaskicounty.org.

By MIKE WILLIAMS, The Patriot