NORFOLK, Va. – “It’s just an exciting experience,” said Dr. Bill Newell.
An experience that gets Dr. Newell out of the bed every morning to City Hall.
“If you are a citizen of this country and a proud citizen like I am; you want to participate,” he adds.
The 74 year-old has been serving as an election official in the city of Norfolk since the 2008 election. “It’s so amazing that it has taken us this many years to reach this point,” said Newell.
A point where people can now come in and cast their ballots early.
The city’s general registrar tells News 3 that 7,879 people have voted early as of October 9.
Newell said some days have been slow. “The busiest day will be close to a thousand people in a day,” he said.
To help with the crowds the city now has 4 additional locationsfor people to cast their ballots beginning Monday, October 12:
o Berkley Community Center, 121 W. Liberty Street
o Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch Library, 1425 Norchester Avenue
o Lambert’s Point Community Center, 1251 W. 42nd Street
o Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library, 111 W. Ocean View Avenue
Dr. Newell says these satellite locations are needed. “Transportation is the key issue for a lot of people. We’ve had people bused in from their location to vote here, particularly senior citizens,” he adds.
He says now people have options. “The closer we can be to people and their neighborhoods the more probable it is that they will come out and vote,” Newel adds.
People can visit any satellite location to vote. The locations are also enforcing strict COVID-19 safety measures.
“Every time we have a person vote, right there we sanitize the area,” Dr. Newell adds.
Virginia Beach will begin voting at additional locations starting Monday, October 19. Click herefor more.
Citizens are asked to visit their city’s election website for details on where and how to vote.
The last day to vote early in person in Virginia is Saturday, October 31.
