Election Ballots Will Not Include Local Candidates’ Party Affiliation
Races more competitive in Fairfax County than elsewhere in Virginia.
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Despite Del. Thomas A. “Tag” Greason’s (R-Loudoun) efforts last year, the ballots voters see in November will not include party affiliation labels for county and local candidates.
The state law banning a D, R or I next to any local candidate’s names is an effort to prevent local elections from becoming too political, The Washington Post reported this morning.
But it can be confusing for voters who want to vote along party lines—particularly for people who may have difficulty remembering names.
Fairfax County has Few Unchallenged Seats
Fairfax County races for state senate, state house of delegates and county positions more commonly have two or more candidates than other regions of Virginia.
Voting along party lines isn’t an option in many races across the state.
A Washington Post editorial noted just 27 percent of House of Delegates contests statewide have both Democrats and Republicans running.
In Fairfax County, races are quite a bit more competitive:
- All 9 senate district seats are in contested races
- 11 of 17 house districts (or 64.7 percent) are contested;
- 6 of 9 (66.7 percent of) County Board of Supervisors district seats are contested and the chair’s race and sheriff’s race both have more than one candidate.
- Several school board positions also have more than one candidate, though officially all candidates are non-partisan.
John Farrell
10:21 am on Thursday, October 27, 2011
It's strange that Mr. Greeson is taking credit for this situation since the party affiliation of candidates for local office didn't appear on the ballot 4 years ago either.
Surely, Pat Herrity, Mike Frye and John Cook were and are proud to run as Republicans.
Why would Mr. Greeson want to deprive them of that privilege?
T Ailshire
12:59 pm on Thursday, October 27, 2011
Doesn't matter. The Democrats trumpet their party affiliation loudly on the obnoxious (and seemingly growing) street and yard signs. No one else's do.
T Ailshire
6:22 pm on Thursday, October 27, 2011
I was mistaken. Seems there's only one candidate whose signs are so marked. It seemed more, and since his signs are so often joined at the hip to Puller's, it seemed like more.
Scott Chronister
9:52 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
As most people with children in Fairfax County Public Schools know, education and not politics is the most important thing to ensuring our children are prepared for their futures. While it is true that many people are not familiar with school board candidates, voters do not need to turn to political parties for information on candidates’ views. This year, a number of advocacy groups are playing an important role in educating voters about the importance of the school board election and the candidates. The Fairfax County Coalition of Advocates for Public Schools (FairfaxCAPS) focuses on educational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and accountability in FCPS. FairfaxCAPS is endorsing the following candidates:
At-Large: Steve Stuban
At-Large: Lolita Mancheno-Smoak
At-Large: Sheree Brown-Kaplan
Braddock: Megan McLaughlin
Dranesville: Louise Epstein
Hunter Mill: Nancy Linton
Mason: Sandy Evans
Mt. Vernon: Michele Nellenbach
Providence: Patty Reed
Springfield: Elizabeth Schultz
Sully: Sheila Ratnam
These endorsements are nonpartisan. Candidates endorsed by both parties and independent candidates appear here. For more information about school board candidates and the on the 2011 Fairfax County School Board election, visit www.FairfaxCAPS.org.
Will Radle
10:39 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
Patch readers have seen my name enough times to remember the candidate working to unite people across political lines to focus on our community's highest values.
http://fairfaxstation.patch.com/blog_posts/creating-a-culture-of-listening
A. Will Radle, Jr.
Independent Candidate for Chairman,
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
FairfaxAdvocates@gmail.com
http://YouTube.com/WillRadle1