PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — In 84 days, voters will have the final say on the possible election of either the first woman and the second Black American to serve as president of the United States, or the return of former president Donald Trump to the Oval Office.
Behind the scenes at the Portsmouth Registrar’s office, election day, for some, starts next month.
“So we have our absentee ballots, the envelopes are awaiting our ballots, and we’re going to get these labeled and they will be mailed on or before Sept. 20, ” said Portsmouth registrar Alex Abell.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin is asking registered voters to consider signing up as election officials. After some training, you could be part of history, with pay, on election day.
Payments depend on your locality for these democracy-critical missions, and the state has outlined election security measures.
“So our experienced officers are usually the pole book officer, meaning the person to text of the voter in a ballot officer. They are issuing the ballot once a person makes it past the pullback.
“The report time is 5 a.m., and the polls open at 6 a.m. They close at 7 p.m., and voters in line at 7 p.m. have to be allowed to vote,” Abell said. “So, again, expecting a big turnout for this election. So while the polls close at seven, you may still have a line at seven. After that, the results have to be called in to my office and the precinct has to be packed up. So whenever someone expressed interest about being part of the election, I always tell them, ‘no, it’s a long day.’ So plan to be there the whole day,” Abell said.
Regina Mobley: And wear comfortable shoes?
Alex Abell: Wear comfortable shoes and pay attention to the weather.
According to the Virginia Department of Elections, any person who serves as an officer of election, as defined in § 24.2-101, shall neither be discharged from employment, nor have any adverse personnel action taken against him, nor shall he be required to use sick leave or vacation time, as a result of his absence from employment due to such service, provided he gave reasonable notice to his employer of such service.
For more information, call the Virginia Department of Elections at (800) 552-9745.
