Bonnie Cranmer
Contributing writer
This election season is about to get busy. There are several key dates and important information to know for Craig County voters. First, are you registered to vote? It’s easy to check your voting status with a quick visit to the Department of Elections website. Complete the form and get your status update https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation The voter registration deadline is Oct. 15.
Next, get to know the choices and issues on the ballot. Voting in Craig County will be for president and vice president, United States senator, United States representative and a proposed constitutional amendment.
The Virginia legislature is seeking to clarify and expand the language currently being used.
Ballot question:
Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended so that the tax exemption that is currently available to the surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action is also available to the surviving spouses of soldiers who died in the line of duty?
In Virginia, usually all property is taxed, and the legislation details the existing exception for the primary residence of the surviving spouse of any soldier who has been killed in action. The proposed amendment is to “allow the surviving spouses of soldiers as determined by the U.S. Department of Defense who have died in the line of duty, including those who have been killed in action.” More information is available from the Virginia Department of Elections website at this address.
https://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/posters-and-publications/2024-Constitutional-Amendment-Brochure-ENG.pdf
Early voting in person is available at the registrar’s office at 155 Main Street in New Castle, beginning on Sept. 20. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Remember to bring your identification, driver’s license or passport. Absentee ballots should be received next week and returned as soon as possible.
Are you interested in becoming a poll worker on Election Day? Craig County Registrar Joanna Ryan stated, “We will need 40-45 Poll Workers this election. It is anticipated to be a busy one!!” It’s a long day, beginning around 5:30 a.m. to be ready to open at 6 a.m. The training provided by Virginia elections is comprehensive, available online and in person. “We have worked very hard the last few years building our pool of workers and I am very thankful we have so many supporters.”
Ryan continued, “New poll workers complete online and in-person training. The Department of Elections has a great online program that gives an overview of laws and expectations. However, if someone cannot complete training online then we are more than happy to offer extended in person and print out Department of Election training. Trainings can take about an hour each, depending on the individual and group size. We offer varying times for the in-person training; day, evening and weekend hours.”
Dates to remember are Sept. 20 opens in person voting, available at Craig County Registrar’s office, and voter registration deadline is Oct. 15. To become a poll worker for the November election, contact the registrar’s office at 540.864.6190.
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