Last November some issues about who could vote where came up, highlighting how students at
Virginia Tech were treated differently from those attending
Radford University. At
Liberty University, there was a big push to add another polling place so those students wouldn't have to wait in line.
This resulted in the State Board of Elections establishing a
task force to provide better definition to "
intent to remain" most applicable to transient populations (like students) who received inconsistent treatment. The new regulations go on to state residency "
shall be broadly construed to
provide the greatest opportunity to register and to vote" and has no requirement for someone to intend to stay in a jurisdiction for a defined period of time.
What is not wanted is allowing anyone to vote more than once -- once in person in this precinct and again by absentee ballot. In Blacksburg, another voting place wasn't added (and was declined in Lynchburg for LU students because of the upcoming census and anticipated redistricting) -- rather the
polling place was changed to provide better access in a larger facility offering more parking.
What is important for every voter is to
ensure they have not had a change of address since last year, or any spring primary elections. If so, one may well need to update their voter registration and double check their polling place.
The best place to confirm your voting status is at the
State Board of Elections web site, allowing a double check on
where you should vote. Remember the
deadline for registering is October 5 (or 29 days before the general election) and the deadline for
absentee ballots must be received by your local registrar no later than October 27 (and this still requires an approved reason to be excused).
Remember, too, that democracy is not a spectator sport.
Go vote, but first make sure you are registered.