Issue 185

Friday, November 3, 2023

Prince William County

Dear Neighbors,

Only five states - Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia - hold elections in odd-numbered years. That means here in Prince William County, we go to the polls to cast our votes every year. Unfortunately, historically fewer people go to the polls in odd years like this one.

However, every year the offices up for election have a significant impact on your life. That is why the first two sections of this issue are devoted to providing you with all the information you need on voting, including how you can still vote early in-person at several locations across the County this Saturday, November 4th.

A large section of this week's issue is devoted to making sure you have all the information you need to vote in this election. For those of you who have already voted, thank you! For those who haven't, please make a plan now to ensure you cast your votes.

In Service,

Chair Ann Wheeler

Tuesday, November 7, is Election Day for the 2023 General Election. You can find key voting details below. More comprehensive voter information can be found on the PWCVotes, and the Virginia Department of Elections websites. 

Saturday, November 4, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, is the last day for early in-person voting. Eliminate the chance of something interfering with your ability to vote on Election Day by voting at any of the locations below on Saturday. 

Where to Vote

Tuesday, November 7, voting polls open at 6:00 am and close at 7:00 pm. The polls remain open to allow anyone in line by 7:00 pm to vote. Redistricting happens every 10 years based on the U. S. Census results. In April 2022, the Office of the Attorney General certified precinct boundaries and voting locations for 103 Election Day polling places for PWC voters.

What to Bring

Virginia law requires all voters to provide an acceptable form of identification at the polls. The ID no longer must have a photograph. A list of acceptable IDs can be found here. If you get to your polling place without an acceptable ID, you can sign an ID statement affirming your identity, you will be able to vote a regular ballot.

Same-day Voter Registration

Beginning with the 2022 General Election, the Virginia General Assembly approved legislation that provides the ability to register at any time, up to and including Election Day. Learn more about the process here. 

In the November 7 General Election, you are voting for:

• Member - Senate of Virginia
• Member - Virginia House of Delegates
• PWC County-wide representatives
• PWC Magisterial District County Board Supervisor
• PWC Magisterial District School Board Supervisor

You can view your sample ballot, listed by polling place, here.

Residents of the Towns of Haymarket and Quantico will also be voting in City Council Member Special Elections:

• Town of Haymarket sample ballot
• Town of Quantico sample ballot

Wednesday, November 1, Chair Wheeler and her office attended the PWC the first annual GovFest: Employee Connection Expo on the Plaza at the McCoart Complex. There were booths hosted by county agencies, games, scavenger hunts, music, prizes, food trucks, and more! It was a great opportunity for employees to learn more about the wide variety of County departments and agencies that serve our residents.

Thursday, November 2, Chair Wheeler attended Box of Basics (Hometown Hero issue 49) ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new headquarters at 9239 Mike Garcia Drive in Manassas.

Friday, November 3, Chair Wheeler spoke at the Mighty Meals ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new 16,000-square-foot production headquarters in Gainesville. The company’s $7 million facility includes a state-of-the-art kitchen, refrigeration storeroom, and shipping facility that will help the company expand distribution across 22 states in the next two years.

Tuesday, November 14, at 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, the PWC Services Behavioral Health Wellness Team is hosting QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training. People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to "Question, Persuade, and Refer" someone to the help they need. Gatekeepers are anyone strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide. Registrator for the free virtual training here.

Registration is open for the Chris Yung Memorial 5K Turkey Trot (County Happenings issue 141) to be held at 2 Silos Brewery in Manassas. Proceeds will help to fund the Chris Yung Memorial Fund and Team Prince William (County Happenings issue 92) Law Enforcement United's Road to Hope. Strollers and dogs on leashes are welcome. Learn more and register here.

Registration is open for the 2024 Prince William Plunge. The annual icy dip into the Potomac River will be Saturday, February 17, at Leesylvania State Park. When you raise money for the Polar Plunge, you're supporting more than 18,000+ Special Olympics Virginia athletes. Registration is free, but each attendee commits to raising $25 by February 18, 2024. Check out the fundraising resources for help.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Government (MWCOG) is providing an opportunity for residents of its jurisdictions, which includes PWC, to take the "I Recycle" pledge. Residents may take the MWCOG 2024 “I Recycle” pledge online here through Monday, November 20.

Congratulations to Officers Ward, Vondee, Darling, LeClair, and Huber on (left to right below) on being honored with the Virginia Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Law Enforcement Awards. Celebrated on October 25 in Richmond, this statewide award recognizes state and local law enforcement professionals for their dedication and efforts in keeping us safe through traffic enforcement by removing impaired drivers from our roadways.

Friday, November 10, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, the Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium is hosting its 37th Annual Caregivers' Conference, When Caregiving Calls: Building a Framework for Resilience at the Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville. The largest dementia conference in the region is suited for family caregivers, volunteers, and professionals. The conference fee of $35 includes continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, and materials. Registration ends on Monday, November 6, or earlier if sold out. Learn more and register here.

Saturday, November 18, 8:30 am to 10:30 am, the PWC Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting Walking with the Birds at Silver Lake Regional Park. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes. This event is for ages 18 and older. The participation fee is $8 per person and you can register here.

Saturday, November 18, at 9:00 am to 10:30 am, for Native American Heritage Month, the PWC Office of Historic Preservation is hosting Potomac People: Indigenous Tribes of Eastern Prince William. Rediscover the Algonquian Nation during this tour at the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. Leashed pets are welcome to join. This event is for ages 6 and older. The participation fee is $5 per person. Space is limited, advanced registration here is required.

• County Website and Career Opportunities
• Real Estate Assessment and Personal Property Tax information
• Personal Property Payment and Changes Online Portal
• Solid Waste, Disposal Guide, Yard Waste, and Recycling
• Residential Zoning: Decks, Sheds, Fences, Additions, Retaining Walls, and Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
• Library Branch Locations and Hours
• Parks and Recreation Online Location and Information Mapper
• Current Road Projects
• Pet Adoption and Dog Licenses