Fairfax County, Virginia is a bustling and diverse community located just outside of Washington D. C. With a population of over 1.1 million people, it is the most populous county in the state of Virginia. As such, it plays a crucial role in local, state, and national elections.
But how often are elections held in Fairfax County? And what does the election process look like in this vibrant and politically active community?
The Basics of Elections in Fairfax County
Before diving into the frequency of elections in Fairfax County, it's important to understand the basics of the election process. Fairfax County follows the same election schedule as the rest of Virginia, with primary elections held on the second Tuesday in June and general elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. However, unlike many other states, Virginia does not have term limits for elected officials. This means that incumbents can run for re-election as many times as they wish, making for some long-standing political careers in Fairfax County.Local Elections in Fairfax County
Fairfax County is divided into nine magisterial districts, each represented by a member of the Board of Supervisors. These local elections are held every four years on even-numbered years, with the most recent election taking place in 2019. The next local election will be held in 2023. In addition to the Board of Supervisors, there are also local elections for School Board members, Soil and Water Conservation District Directors, and Constitutional Officers such as Sheriff and Commonwealth's Attorney.These positions are also elected every four years on even-numbered years.
State Elections in Fairfax County
Fairfax County is part of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, which is currently represented by Democrat Gerry Connolly. Congressional elections are held every two years, with the most recent election taking place in 2020. The next congressional election will be held in 2022. Virginia also has elections for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General every four years on odd-numbered years. The most recent state election was held in 2017, with the next one scheduled for 2021.National Elections in Fairfax County
Being located just outside of Washington D.C., Fairfax County is heavily involved in national elections. In addition to the presidential election every four years, there are also elections for U. S. Senators and Representatives every six years and two years, respectively. Fairfax County is currently represented by two Democratic Senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and three Democratic Representatives, Gerry Connolly, Don Beyer, and Jennifer Wexton.
The most recent national election was held in 2020, with the next one scheduled for 2024.
Special Elections in Fairfax County
In addition to the regularly scheduled elections, there may also be special elections held in Fairfax County. These are typically held to fill a vacant seat or to vote on a specific issue or referendum. Special elections can be called at any time throughout the year. For example, in 2019 there was a special election held in Fairfax County to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Supervisors. In 2020, there was a special election for a School Board member position.These special elections are not held on a regular schedule and can vary depending on the circumstances.
The Importance of Voting in Fairfax County
With such a diverse and politically active community, voting in Fairfax County is crucial. In the 2020 presidential election, Fairfax County had a voter turnout of over 80%, with over 600,000 votes cast. This high level of participation is a testament to the importance placed on elections in this county. Not only does voting allow for the community's voices to be heard, but it also plays a significant role in shaping the future of Fairfax County. Elected officials make decisions that impact everything from education and infrastructure to taxes and public safety.By participating in elections, residents of Fairfax County have a say in how their community is run.
