Harrisonburg's Electoral Board is actively addressing voter registration challenges as it prepares for the upcoming elections. During a recent meeting, officials reported a significant decrease in registered voters, with the current count at 26,408, down from 27,714 at the start of the year. This decline is attributed to the routine registration purge that follows federal elections, which removed 1,264 inactive voters from the rolls.

The board emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate voter registration records, noting that many individuals may have moved out of state without updating their information. This situation is compounded by the lack of communication between states regarding death certificates, which can lead to discrepancies in voter rolls. Officials are committed to improving their processes to ensure that inactive voters are accurately identified and removed, while also striving to increase overall registration numbers.

In addition to discussing voter statistics, the board highlighted ongoing communication efforts with local schools and James Madison University regarding polling locations. While there have been some delays in responses, officials remain optimistic that the scheduled dates for primary elections will be upheld.

As the electoral landscape evolves, the Harrisonburg Electoral Board is focused on enhancing voter engagement and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The board's proactive measures aim to address the challenges of maintaining accurate voter registration and to prepare effectively for the upcoming elections.