Opinion: Long Election Day Lines 'Cannot Ever Happen Again'

A letter to the editor, submitted to Woodbridge Patch on Nov. 8 by Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi: 

Dear Woodbridge Residents,

Election Day is perhaps the greatest expression of our democracy. I would like to thank each and every person that made it to the polls on Tuesday to cast their vote. As many of you know firsthand, there were excessively long lines at several Woodbridge voting locations. As I went from precinct to precinct, I was amazed and uplifted by the positive, patient, and determined citizens waiting in line, as well as the hardworking and empathetic Election Day volunteers. It was remarkable and inspiring. Thank you.

The last ballot was cast at the River Oaks precinct at approximately 10:45pm. At other precincts in the Woodbridge District, voters waited three, four, or five hours to cast their vote. This is completely unacceptable to me. We already face one of the longest commutes in the nation. In today’s economy, having to miss a day’s work to cast your vote is unconscionable. In the seventh most affluent county in the nation, this cannot ever happen again. We must determine the factors that contributed to this situation, asking if it was the result of antiquated technology, an operational shortfall, a budget issue, or a combination. Election operations are obviously a critical unmet need in Prince William and this must be resolved before next year’s election.

I will host a town hall in the coming weeks and invite residents, the Prince William Electoral Board, and the State Electoral Board to address the concerns that arose on Election Day.

If you have additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at 703‐792‐4646 or woodbridgedistrict@pwcgov.org.

Sincerely,

Frank J. Principi

Woodbridge District Supervisor

Related content: 

• Election Day Draws High Voter Turnout in Eastern Prince William County
• Long Voter Lines Only Due to High Turnout