Residents of the US state of Virginia can vote in a variety of ways: live, on election day, and earlier, at predetermined locations, and by mail. Early voting for this year's general election began on September 20 and runs through November 2.
Voting is usually organized in cities or counties, many of which also elect their own local authorities. Arlington is the smallest county in the United States of America (USA) in which local self-government is elected, and it is separated from the capital Washington only by the Potomac River.
However, it is densely populated, so there are 164.107 registered voters who have four locations available for early voting, including the Long Bridge pool and fitness center.
Charles Luma-Overstreet oversees the election process at this polling station.
"In the United States, the states decide the voting rules, so it's a little bit different in each state. Here in Virginia, starting on September 20, voters have the opportunity to vote before the election," explains Luma-Overstreet. "No special reason is needed, but let's open several centers where voters can come, introduce themselves and vote earlier, most often because they won't be at home on election day. Or maybe because they have other commitments or might have difficulties coming that day. "
As of Oct. 31, more than 46.000 people — more than a quarter of registered voters — had cast early voting in Arlington.
Among them is Tanja Rogers, who told Glas Amerika that she decided to vote early to avoid crowds: "I always voted early to avoid the lines on election day."
George Taliaferro states that early voting suits him "because it's convenient for me to vote at a time that makes sense for my schedule."
Elizabeth Hodges is voting in Arlington County for the first time this year.
"I chose to vote early because I think it's important. I also want to avoid the lines, and I was interested to see how that process goes," says Hodges.
A Voice of America interviewee who introduced herself only by her first name - Maggie - listed a number of reasons why she is voting before November 5: "I chose to vote early because, first, I will be traveling on election day. Second, I have to make sure that my ballot counted. And thirdly, it reduces the efforts of volunteers who then do not have to call me and ask if I voted."
Len Fank says he went to the polls early because he is 82 years old and wanted to make sure he would get to vote: "This is the most important election in our history."
Julia Dragun voted before election day because she says she works as a teacher "five days a week", so this possibility is more practical for her: "If I can do it today, I will do it today, instead of waiting until the fifth and finding out that it is raining, sleeting or something like that."
Republicans have historically won more votes in Virginia's presidential election, but their candidate last won in 2004. Then George Bush Jr. was more successful than John Kerry. Before that, the Democratic candidate - Lyndon Johnson - won only in 1964.
In the last election, Joseph Biden won 2.413.568 votes in Virginia, about 450.000 more than Donald Trump, thanks in large part to a large advantage in the north of the state, where Arlington is also located.
In Arlington, Biden won 105.344 votes, nearly five times more than Trump. Trump is also a candidate in this election, and his opponent is Kamala Harris. Polls show the race will be close, but the US vice president is leading in Virginia
Election officials say interest in the election is high.
"This is a presidential election, so there is a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of passion and people come to vote. We have always had a better turnout for those elections. The last general election was during covid and it was something completely different. But we have a lot of interest, a lot of people are very interested in the outcome of the election and that's the essence of democracy," says Luma-Overstreet.
VOA asked voters in Arlington what they expected from the election.
Maggie says she expects democracy, and Rogers hopes for a high turnout and that everyone will exercise their right to vote.
"I don't know. I'm very nervous," says Hodges, echoing the concerns of many Americans. "I hope everything goes well".
"It is very uncertain," says Dragun. "It depends on who you listen to, who you talk to. But for me, all choices are important. It's a privilege to be an American".
In addition to the president and representatives in Congress, Americans usually vote for other levels of government, such as county or school boards. Also on the ballot in Arlington this year are initiatives to allocate taxpayer money to education and infrastructure projects.
Hodges states that elections for all levels are important to her: "I think it's all important, especially after the past few years, all the controversy with school board elections and what kids can and can't read in schools."
Rogers says she considered local initiatives, researched them - and ultimately voted on them.
"However, I am primarily interested in national and state elections," adds Rogers.
Election day in the US is November 5, and experts warn that the final results could take days.
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