New election officers may now register online on the State Board of Elections website.
"Polling places will be busy on Election Day, and general registrars throughout the Commonwealth are seeking reliable and friendly individuals to serve both on and the days leading up to Election Day," a SBE release stated. "Those who serve as Officers of Election are an integral part of the elections process and assist citizens in a successful and pleasant voting experience."
Once a volunteer signs up, local election officials will be notified. Those interested in signing up can also receive updates on the volunteer process by text.
To be eligible to be an election officer, a volunteer must simply be registered to vote. Election officers can be paid for their time, but this year's new law also means that election officers can choose to be volunteers.
"This change to the law should eliminate conflicts with employers who do not permit their employees to engage in outside employment, and increase officer of election participation throughout the Commonwealth," the release said.
After completing the online form, the local registrar's office may take up to about two weeks to respond. For more information, contact the SBE at 804-864-8901 or info@sbe.virginia.gov.
In Fairfax, the General Registrar and the Electoral Board have advised the two parties that they need 4,000 election officers ready for the November 6th Presidential Election. Fairfax Democrats have been soliciting volunteers who wish to protect the right to vote of their neighbors through service as an election officer and plans to nominate or approve 2,000 people to represent Fairfax Democrats and their candidates in this essential civic function. Registered voters who wish to be nominated by the Fairfax Democrats for this patriotic service should contact http://fairfaxdemocrats.org/?page_id=8971. John Farrell Co-chair, Election Protection Fairfax Democrats