Virginia voters rush to check registration status as election day nears

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (7News) — With early voting ending this weekend and with election day on Nov. 5 quickly approaching, 7News is checking in with voters as they head to the polls.

“First off, I had to check my status,” said Virginia voter Ibrahim Kamara. “I was getting calls from everyone to make sure I’m registered.”

Registration status can be confirmed with a quick online check, which will also provide your early voting location and your polling site for election day.

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There was still a steady flow of early voters Friday night at the McLean Governmental Center where Greeshma Achar voted early.

“I think we consider ourselves informed voters,” Achar said. “So, a little bit of research, just knowing what we need to do, and then just coming here and doing it.”

With recent headlines about people being purged from the rolls in Virginia, most of the voters who spoke with 7News said they did everything they could to make sure they could cast their vote without a problem.

“When I showed my driver’s license I was wondering if I’d be on the blacklist,” said Pradeep Balebail. “Just a little bit of trepidation. That’s it.”

While the approximately 1,600 people removed from the rolls in a recent purge represent only a small fraction of potential voters, the Fairfax County Board of Elections reminds residents that Virginia allows same-day registration.

As of Friday, they said they have had 2,364 same-day registrants.

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To register to vote on Saturday, Nov. 2, residents can visit an early voting site from 9 am to 5 pm Same-day registration is also available at polling sites on election day from 6 am to 7 pm

Election officials said there will be two trained specialists at each site.

Same-day registrants will need to cast a provisional ballot and fill out a provision ballot envelope with a social security number, name, address, and contact information.

The ballot will then be reviewed and counted once citizen status is verified.