By Carla Branch and James Cullum
alexandrianews.org
Alexandrians cast their votes at City Hall. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
This morning dawned bright and cold, the perfect day for an election in Alexandria.
When the polls opened at 6:00 a.m., there were few voters in line and even fewer campaign workers. By 7:00 a.m., just over 200 voters had cast their ballots at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, traditionally one of the busiest precincts in the City. By noon, 19,660 votes had been cast citywide, including 2800 absentee ballots.
Election Day, 2009. Photo: Regan Kireilis
“Turnout seems to be a bit lower than I expected but I think we are still on track for about a 45-percent turnout,” said Tom Parkins, Alexandria’s general registrar.
If Parkins is correct, 35,000 of the 79,873 active registered voters in Alexandria may vote today. This compares to 34,864 votes that were cast in Alexandria in the 2005 gubernatorial race.
Election officials remind voters that the busiest time at the polls is morning and evening rush hour. To avoid lines, vote before 5:00 p.m. The polls are open until 7:00 p.m. You must be in line when election officials close the polls or you will not be allowed to vote.
Election results will be available online at www.alexandriavoter.org.
