Presidential Primary 2024: Voter Guide In Reston, Fairfax County

RESTON, VA — While Reston and Fairfax County last had local and state elections in November 2023, a more nationally prominent election is coming up.

Virginia's presidential primary is scheduled on March 5. It is one of 16 states holding the presidential primary that day, dubbed Super Tuesday. The Super Tuesday results are key for the party's prospective nominees ahead of the Republican National Convention from July 15 to 18 and Democratic National Convention from Aug. 19 to 22.

Voters are not registered by party in Virginia, so registered voters can choose to cast a ballot in the Democratic or Republican primary.

What's on the Ballot

On the Democratic ballot, President Joe Biden is running for re-election and faces Marianne Williamson and Dean Phillips. Before Super Tuesday, Biden is the front-runner with 206 delegates.

On the Republican ballot, former President Donald Trump is seeking another term. The Virginia ballot also includes Chris Christie, Ryan Binkley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. Trump is leading in the Republican Party with 122 delegates to former Haley's 24 delegates.

Some candidates may have dropped out of the race before the March 5 primary, so check their campaign status before casting your ballot.

See sample ballots for the Democratic and Republican primaries for Fairfax County voters.

Below is information on how to vote in Fairfax Coutnty

Early Voting Wraps Up

In Fairfax County early in-person voting happens through March 2 at 16 locations, including at the North County Government Center. An acceptable form of ID is required to vote in person. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Feb. 23 was the deadline to request a mail-in ballot. Those who have a completed mail-in ballot must return it by 7 p.m. on Election Day (March 5) or have it postmarked by Election Day. The office of elections must receive the ballot by noon on Friday, March 8.

Ballots can be returned by mail, at early voting locations during voting hours, in person at polling places from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, or by drop box. In Fairfax County, there is a ballot drop box at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway.

Voter Registration and Election Day Voting

The deadline to register to vote or update an address on an existing voter registration was Feb. 12. Same-day registration is available after the deadline, giving voters the option to cast a provisional ballot. Voters may ask to complete same-day registration at an early voting site or polling place.

To vote on Election Day, visit your assigned polling place between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. An acceptable form of ID is required to vote in person. More information for Fairfax County voters is available online.