As the 2020 presidential election draws near, many Americans are preparing to cast their votes and make their voices heard. But for those living in Ashburn, Virginia, there may be some confusion surrounding the voting age requirement. In this article, we will explore the specifics of the voting age requirement in Ashburn and what it means for the upcoming election. Ashburn is a census-designated place located in Loudoun County, Virginia.
It is a rapidly growing community with a population of over 50,000 people. As part of Loudoun County, Ashburn follows the same election laws and procedures as the rest of the county. In Virginia, elections are held every year on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This includes presidential elections, as well as state and local elections. In Ashburn, residents have the opportunity to vote for various positions such as mayor, city council members, and school board members.
The Voting Age Requirement in Ashburn
The voting age requirement in Ashburn is consistent with the rest of Virginia and the United States.According to the United States Constitution, citizens must be at least 18 years old to vote in federal elections. This includes presidential elections, as well as congressional and senatorial elections. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. In Virginia, 17-year-olds who will turn 18 before the next general election are allowed to vote in primary elections. This means that if a 17-year-old will turn 18 before the general election in November, they can vote in the primary election held earlier in the year. Additionally, individuals who have been convicted of a felony and are currently serving a sentence are not eligible to vote in Virginia.
However, once their sentence is completed, their voting rights are automatically restored.
Why is the Voting Age 18?
The voting age requirement of 18 has been in place since the 26th Amendment was ratified in 1971. Prior to this, the voting age was 21. The amendment was passed in response to the Vietnam War, as many young men were being drafted to fight in the war but were not allowed to vote. Since then, the voting age of 18 has been seen as a symbol of adulthood and the right to participate in democracy. It is also the age at which individuals are legally considered adults and can make decisions for themselves.How to Register to Vote in Ashburn
In order to vote in Ashburn, residents must first register to vote. This can be done online through the Virginia Department of Elections website or by filling out a paper registration form and mailing it in. To register online, individuals must have a valid Virginia driver's license or ID card. They must also provide their social security number and date of birth.If they do not have a driver's license or ID card, they can still register by mail or in person at their local voter registration office. Once registered, individuals will receive a voter registration card in the mail. This card will list their polling place, which is where they will go to cast their vote on election day.
The Importance of Voting
As citizens of Ashburn and the United States, it is our civic duty to participate in elections and make our voices heard.By voting, we have the power to shape our communities and our country for the better. It is also important to remember that every vote counts. In the 2016 presidential election, the state of Virginia was decided by a margin of just over 200,000 votes. This shows that every single vote can make a difference in the outcome of an election.
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