Richmond election officials prepare for high turnout and safety ahead of early voting
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — In Richmond, election officials are bracing for a busy day in early voting by emphasizing both preparedness and safety.
David Levine, director of elections for the City of Richmond, said his team is ready for the influx of voters and the challenges that may come with it.
“As election officials, our job is to take the punches as they come and be able to prepare,” Levine said.
Levine expects a high voter turnout and said his office has analyzed data from previous elections to anticipate the numbers.
“We've prepared ourselves for high turnout in tomorrow's first day of early voting. And we've looked at previous elections to help inform that turnout figure,” he said.
In the 2021 gubernatorial race, 52% of voters cast a ballot. Levine expects several hundred voters to show up for early voting on the first day.
Alongside preparing for voter turnout, Levine acknowledged growing concerns about safety.
“We know that there's been political violence that we've seen recently in other parts of the country. We know that there have been lockdowns at universities in both Virginia and elsewhere,” he said.
He assured that safeguards are in place should any dangerous situations arise, and expressed confidence in his team’s integrity and readiness to address any concerns about voter fraud.
Levine also offered guidance for those planning to cast their ballots.
“Make a plan about how you're going to vote,” he advised.
“For example, you’re going to potentially take another mode of transportation -- you want to be aware of where the bus lines are, how close that can get you to the office,” he added.
Voters are also reminded to bring a valid form of identification when arriving at their polling location.
There will be three early voting sites open in Richmond. Laburnum Ave location opens Friday, Sept. 19 on weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sites at Hickory Hill and City Hall will begin on Oct. 20 on weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
