As the sun began to rise over Harrisonburg, the local Electoral Board gathered at city hall, ready to tackle the preparations for the upcoming November election. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as board members discussed the meticulous planning required to ensure a smooth electoral process.

At the forefront of the meeting was Miss McDonald, who reported on the completion of essential documents for early voting. With early voting set to begin on September 19, her team has been diligently finalizing the necessary paperwork, including ballot records and election day forms. The board is also gearing up to mail out approximately 800 absentee ballots by September 18, a crucial step in accommodating voters who may not be able to cast their ballots in person.

Miss Gerald, another key member of the team, is busy organizing the election day officer schedule. She has arranged for three officers per shift during early voting, increasing to four during the final week to assist with same-day registration. This proactive approach aims to streamline the voting process and ensure that all voters receive the assistance they need.

The board also discussed the logistics of ballot ordering, with a total of 26,195 ballots requested for the election. This includes a mix of absentee and election day ballots, with the expectation that the number will adequately cover the anticipated voter turnout. However, there remains flexibility to adjust these numbers if necessary, as the board continues to monitor registration trends.

In a notable outreach effort, the board has engaged with James Madison University (JMU) students through the Democracy Fellows program. This initiative aims to educate students about the voting process and encourage early registration. The board's recent participation in JMU's block party resulted in 18 new paper applications and increased awareness among students about the importance of registering ahead of election day.

As discussions turned to the potential for same-day registration (SDR), board members expressed concerns about the challenges it poses. While SDR provides a safety net for voters, it can create a bottleneck on election day. The board is preparing for a significant number of SDRs, estimating at least 2,000 based on previous elections, and is advocating for students to register in advance to avoid complications.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the approval process for election officers, highlighting the need for a standardized approach across localities. The board is working on a revised procedure that aligns with best practices observed in other areas, aiming to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the electoral process.

As the meeting adjourned, the board members left with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face the challenges ahead and ensure that the upcoming election is a success for the Harrisonburg community. With preparations well underway, the focus now shifts to engaging voters and fostering a smooth electoral experience for all.