PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Early in-person and absentee voting by mail starts Friday morning, but once again, voters are getting pre-filled vote-by-mail applications they never requested.
The applications were sent by the Center for Voter Information, and registrars were notified in advance that this would be taking place, but voters aren’t always aware of this.
“Yes, because we usually when people receive applications in the mail and they know they didn’t call the registrar’s office to receive applications, they get concerned,” said Portsmouth registrar Alex Abell.
According to Pro-Publica, in 2020, the organization sent thousands of similar mailers across the country, including some with mistakes. The mailers sent to voters in recent days have a phone number to call, (800) 364-2317, and a code to enter via telephone, to be removed from the Center for Voter Information mailing list.
Last month, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order that spells out the rules for a free and fair election.
And, as 10 On Your Side reported weeks ago, the governor also called on Virginians to serve as poll workers. Portsmouth residents responded.
“Yes, [we have] more than enough volunteers for this election,” Abell said.
Online and on walls at City Hall, election officials are spreading the word about how to have your voice heard in the 2024 elections.
In her first presidential election as city registrar, Abell offered step-by-step instructions for voters.
“So this is the poll book table,” Abell said. “They’re [voters] going to state their name and address. They have to have I.D. They’ll give their information to the public officer. The public officer will give them a voting permit and they will head over to the ballot,” Abell said.
As voters exit the voting space they are handed an “I voted” sticker and hand sanitizer.
“We’re expecting a big turnout and we want people to turn out,” Abell said. “We want people to come and express their choice at the ballot box. And we have a new setup for you here in Portsmouth. So please don’t make my work in vain. Show up and give us a big turnout. And, you know, let’s get early voting numbers out.”
