Virginians May Vote a Split Ticket

Rumor Buster
	For Immediate Release:       October 16, 2008	For More Information: Susan S. Pollard, APR Director of Communications Office: 804-786-0282 Mobile: 804-641-9199 Or 804-864-8901 (Press 3)
	RICHMOND, VA – A rumor has been circulating about voting equipment in Virginia gives voters an option to vote a straight party ticket.  This rumor is false. The Code of Virginia does not allow a “straight party voting” option on voting equipment. This option would permit voters to cast his or her vote for all the candidates of a single party with the touch of a button. Instead, each office is voted individually and the voter my vote for whomever they choose. The State Board of Elections recommends if voters have questions about casting their ballot, they spend a few minutes with the Officer of Election who is demonstrating the precinct’s voting equipment. In addition to the presidential election Virginians will also be voting for members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives and some localities may also be holding a local election, such as City of Richmond. To obtain a Virginia Absentee Ballot Application go to the State Board of Elections web site at www.sbe.virginia.gov # # #