Arlington County implements ranked choice voting and updates election strategies for 2025

Arlington County is gearing up for a busy election year as the County Board discussed the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 during a work session on March 6, 2025. Key highlights from the meeting included plans for new voting equipment, ongoing outreach initiatives, and addressing polling place capacity amid growing voter registration.

The Arlington Registrar's Office reported a successful 2025 presidential election, with over 130,000 ballots cast. Notably, the office implemented ranked choice voting for the first time in Virginia, which was well-received. The office also introduced a voter guide that came in 50% under budget thanks to a nonprofit postage rate, and partnered with local teams to create educational videos for future outreach.

Looking ahead, the Registrar's Office plans to procure new voting machines, marking only the fifth such purchase in Arlington's history. This decision is critical as the county prepares for the upcoming general election, which will include races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and local offices. The Registrar emphasized the importance of this election cycle, noting that gubernatorial races in Virginia often see very close results, which can put additional strain on election operations.

Another significant topic discussed was the capacity of polling places. Arlington has some of the largest precincts in Virginia, and with population growth, the need for additional polling locations is becoming increasingly urgent. The Registrar highlighted the challenges of finding suitable locations and the complexities involved in redrawing precinct boundaries.

The meeting also touched on the need for enhanced outreach efforts, particularly regarding ranked choice voting. Board members expressed the importance of meaningful community engagement to ensure voters are well-informed about the voting process. There was a consensus that external expertise may be necessary to reach underserved populations effectively.

As Arlington County prepares for the upcoming election year, the discussions from this meeting underscore the commitment to maintaining secure and efficient elections while addressing the evolving needs of the community. The County Board will continue to evaluate budget considerations, including compensation for poll workers, to ensure a smooth electoral process.