Long lines persist in Fairfax Co. for last day of early voting

early voting virginia
The early voting line outside the Franconia Governmental Center stretches down the block onto Franconia Road in Fairfax County, Virginia. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
early voting farifax
The early voting line outside the Franconia Governmental Center stretches down the block onto Franconia Road in Fairfax County, Virginia. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
early voting virginia
The early voting line outside the Franconia Governmental Center stretches down the block onto Franconia Road in Fairfax County, Virginia. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
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early voting virginia
early voting farifax
early voting virginia

Hundreds of residents waited in line Saturday morning at the Franconia Governmental Center in Fairfax County, Virginia, for the state’s final day of early voting.

Hector Chevez and his sister, Madeline, are from Springfield and got in line to vote around 7:30 a.m. at one of the counties 14 early voting locations. “It’s better to vote early than on the day of, it’s just better just to get it over with,” said Hector, who will be voting for Joe Biden.

With hundreds of others standing in line, Madeline said she’s excited to see today’s turnout.

“It’s important to cast your vote because it makes a difference.”

Wrapped in a towel to ease the morning chill, Andi Flick and her sister, Gabriela, also waited to vote.

It’s Andi’s first time voting in a general election.

“I want to get it over with before election day comes because that’s when I know last minute voters are like ‘Oh! We gotta vote,’ Andi said.

This year’s election is one Gabriela said she knew she had to be a part of.

“This is especially important to get your voice heard and make sure you vote for the right person,” Gabriela added.

So far, 1.7 million people have voted early in Virginia. Early voting in Virginia ends Saturday at 5 p.m.

In Maryland and DC, you can still vote in person now through election day.

Melissa Howell

Melissa Howell joined WTOP Radio in March 2018 and is excited to cover stories that matter across D.C., as well as in Maryland and Virginia. 

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