Posted: Feb 26, 2024 / 10:59 PM EST
Updated: Feb 26, 2024 / 11:39 PM EST
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Mounting mail issues are spilling over into Virginia’s Presidential Primaries, as community members fear their vote won’t be counted in time for March 5.
City of Richmond registrar Keith Balmer said absentee ballots were sent on Wednesday, Jan. 10. Though it’s a relatively small number, Balmer said those who haven’t gotten their ballots yet should use other methods to cast their votes, if and when they finally get them.
“We have received some calls from voters who have not received their absentee ballots,” Balmer said. “I would strongly suggest you drop it in one of our drop boxes here in the city. [Absentee voters] still have the option to just come in person during early voting until [Saturday, March 2], which is the last day.”
Just outside the city, Chesterfield County Registrar Missy Vera said her office has seen more than 40% of its mailed-out ballots returned and Henrico County registrar Mark Coakley told 8News last week that mail problems haven’t affected them sending or receiving ballots.
Balmer said he hopes Richmonders take advantage of their chance to cast a vote before it’s too late.
“We believe that, you know, everybody should have a voice if they want to vote in this election,” Balmer said. “A part of having a voice, if you vote absentee, is the belief that the [Postal Service] could deliver your ballot in time.”
Balmer said Richmond voters can also expect a notice this summer urging them to send their absentee ballots for the general election in November as soon as possible to allow for maximum time to navigate any mail issues.
At a postal town hall last week, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan said she was expecting a report from the inspector general that could point to issues at the Sandston distribution center mail is processed. That report was expected by the end of last week but still has not been released.
