Board picks two sites for early-voting satellites, asks staff to pursue leases and study western gaps

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted on March 4 to identify two locations as potential early-voting satellite offices and to direct staff to negotiate lease terms and prepare the matter for a public hearing. The chosen locations are the Loudoun County University Campus Commons (Algonquian Election District) and the future Ashburn Recreation and Community Center (Ashburn Election District).

Why it matters: Virginia law requires absentee voting in person to be available starting 45 days before Election Day, and the board must establish any additional satellite offices with exact locations and obtain state concurrence within set deadlines. The board directed staff to seek lease terms preferably two to three years to secure site stability for election operations and training.

Staff presentation and sites Elections and voter registration staff and planning staff presented options after analyzing county-owned and leased facilities, LCPS properties and private lease opportunities. Jackie (staff) outlined candidate locations across districts lacking existing voting sites and highlighted factors used to evaluate sites, including access, parking and county network connectivity. Staff identified the university campus commons at 44927 George Washington Boulevard and the Aspen Recreation & Community Center (projected to open this summer) among preferred options.

Board motion and vote Supervisor James moved, and Supervisor Sainz seconded, a motion to select the Loudoun County University Campus Commons and the future Ashburn Recreation and Community Center as early-voting satellite offices, to proceed with lease negotiations with a preference for 2–3 year terms, and to schedule a public hearing to amend Chapter 209 of the codified county ordinance to add the new satellite offices. The motion carried; board members also approved an amendment asking staff to explore feasibility of additional western Loudoun sites (including Lovettsville and areas near Middleburg) for future consideration.

Talking points from the dais Board members and staff emphasized a preference for county-owned facilities when practical, but noted the county routinely uses leases for many county operations. Staff said county fiber connectivity is an operational advantage and that Aspen Rec’s planned fiber connection was a reason it ranked highly on the list. Supervisor Kirschner requested additional feasibility work for geographical gaps in the western portions of some districts.

Outcome and next steps - Board selected University Campus Commons and future Ashburn Rec Center as potential early-voting satellite offices and directed staff to negotiate leases (preference 2–3 years). - Board directed staff to schedule a future public hearing to amend Chapter 209 to add the satellite offices. - Board asked staff to examine feasibility of additional western sites (e.g., Lovettsville, areas near Middleburg) and report back.

Provenance: Staff briefed the board on proposed early-voting sites during the business meeting; the board amended and approved the motion and directed staff to return for a public hearing.

Ending: Staff will pursue lease negotiations, prepare the public-hearing item, and report back with feasibility findings on potential western sites.