When Lunenburg County voters in Election District 1 head to the polls this year, they’ll be casting their ballots at a familiar place: the Victoria-Lunenburg Community Center. But wait, you might ask. Isn’t District 1 on the agenda this week at the Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors meeting, set for a vote to change locations? Well, yes and no. 

Yes. county supervisors are set to vote on a formal change to the polling location on Thursday, April 10. However, Lunenburg Registrar Alissa Baldwin said the decision simply formalizes what has already been in practice for the past two years. 

“The Community Center has already been serving as the polling location,” Baldwin said. “This vote just updates the ordinance to reflect the current reality and ensure everything is clear and official.” 

Originally, voters in District 1 cast their ballots at the Victoria Fire and Rescue building. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the county made temporary adjustments to accommodate safety concerns, shifting voting to the larger Community Center. In March 2022, a public hearing was held to approve a permanent update to the polling location. 

Implementation of the new ordinance was delayed, Baldwin explained, as the county navigated pandemic-related challenges. During that time, the Community Center continued to be used for voting, even though Victoria Fire and Rescue was still listed in official records. 

With the April 10 vote, supervisors are expected to formally align the county’s ordinance with current practices. Baldwin emphasized that the change should have no noticeable impact on voters. 

“There’s no disruption. We just want to make sure our records match what’s actually happening on Election Day.” 

Questions about District 1?

For voters who may be unsure of their district or polling place, Baldwin encourages them to visit the Virginia Department of Elections’ citizen portal or contact the Lunenburg registrar’s office directly. Staff are available to help residents verify their information, check their polling locations, or update their addresses if needed. 

“We are always happy to assist voters and make sure they have everything they need before heading to the polls,” Baldwin said. 

Voter drive coming on Saturday

In addition to preparing for the upcoming elections, Baldwin’s office is organizing a voter registration drive this Saturday, April 12. Weather permitting, the drive will be in combination with an event happening at Victoria Railroad Park, providing activities like petting zoos, vendors, food trucks. The drive will offer residents an opportunity to register to vote, update their voter information, and learn more about upcoming local and state elections. Held at 1402 Firehouse Road in Victoria, the event is free and open to the public. Though the weather forecast is not looking too good, Baldwin encourages folks to follow them on Facebook at “Lunenburg Elections” for updates on the event as the date approaches. 

“This is a great opportunity, especially for new voters or those who may have moved recently, to get everything squared away before election season,” Baldwin said. 

While election laws and processes sometimes change, the commitment to keeping voters informed remains the same. “Our goal is to make voting as easy and seamless as possible,” she said. 

Residents can visit vote.eclections.virginia.gov or call the Lunenburg registrar’s office at (434) 696-3952 for more information about voting, registration, and upcoming events.

Editor’s note: Abby Dowdy wrote this story for the Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch.