Precinct voters weigh in on election day

The short line was contained in the Sydenstricker area when polling stations opened in the dark at 6 in the morning on November 5, Election Day 2024

In the 2020 general election, Virginia’s Department of Elections reported the highest number of ballots cast in a presidential election in the Commonwealth’s history. There was a turnout of 4,486,821, or over 75 percent of registered voters. In 2020, a majority of these voters in Fairfax County chose Joe Biden; 69.9% for Biden, 28.0% for Trump. Only three county precincts voted majority for Trump: Dranesville, Springfield and Sully.

Fast forward to the 2024 general election, a high turnout was expected. Early voting was a popular choice, with 43 percent choosing one of the early voting options. Eager voters, over 85,000 strong, had ballots returned at the start of early voting on September 20 and 21. Over 4,000 showed up in person on the first two days. Daily early in-person voting continued at around 2,000 votes each day until October 17, when the daily number of votes increased to between 7,000 and 15,000 each day. By the end of the early voting period on November 2, over 322,000 had cast a vote. (Source: Fairfax County Office of Elections. For more on election data see https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/home-page)

Called by both the Democratic and Republican parties the most influential election of our time, here’s what some voters had to say about voting on General Election Day, November 5, 2024, and about their concerns about this year’s election .

Jasmine Sharpe

“I didn’t think about voting early … but I probably will next year. I got here early because I thought there might be a line. A little anxious this time, but happy to be able to give input regardless of the results.”

The Stett family: Chris, Elaine, Caitlin

Chris and Elaine have always voted together on the regular election day; a tradition for 21 years now. Chris says, “This is how it’s done; stand up, vote, go to work.” Elaine adds “I love the process and talking to volunteers.”

They talk about the issues together and usually agree on their vote choices. First-time voter Caitlin Stedt, 18, said: “It’s a really important election because of the candidates. I don’t feel confident about having Trump in office and it’s important that I got to vote for the first female president . I have a sister who is too young to vote and I want to vote to protect her rights as well as mine.” Chris replied: “Felt anxious and want for a few more days.” Caitlin worries about possible violence in DC, where her mother works.

Curtis, Amber, and Parker Cardoza

Amber explained, “We just moved here and didn’t know about the early voting option, but voting together on election day has become a tradition.” Curtis said, “Trying not to invest too much emotion in it (the election). Amber sees “potential hope and excitement” in the outcome.

11-year-old Parker, who came to see the polling place for the first time, said: “I couldn’t see much.”