Elections director outlines August primary schedule, adds drop‑box access and security measures

David Levine, director of elections for the City of Richmond, briefed the committee on operational changes for the August 4, 2026 primary and steps his office has taken to expand capacity and transparency.

Levine said voting for the primary began June 18 with early voting at the elections office from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday, and that early voting will expand to include City Hall beginning Sunday, July 19. He said state legislation requires localities to offer voting on both the second and third Sundays preceding an election, and the electoral board approved voting hours from noon to 5 p.m. on those Sundays. "Friday, July 24 is also an important deadline," Levine said, identifying it as the last day to request a mailed absentee ballot and the deadline to register and cast a regular ballot prior to same‑day registration.

Because Hickory Hill Community Center is unavailable for this primary due to preexisting commitments, Levine said the elections office opened the City Hall absentee drop box beginning June 18 to provide voters an additional in‑person return option. He said the office will add signage and outreach to notify voters who normally use Hickory Hill about alternate options, and that all 72 precincts will be open on election day.

Levine also described several operational improvements: a ballot‑on‑demand printing system to speed check‑in and reduce surplus ballot orders, recently hired staff (including a deputy director and election operations manager), a revamped website, expanded electoral‑board meetings and outreach efforts with Richmond Public Schools and naturalization ceremonies. He said the office has deployed additional security at City Hall — two on‑site security officers and temporary weapon‑detection screening — and hopes to fund permanent screening equipment in the next fiscal year.

Discussing resources, Levine said the city spent about $500,000 on the April special election and that recent state reimbursement language ties formulaic reimbursement to the number of registered voters, so he expects partial reimbursement that will not cover total direct costs. He warned that repeated, unscheduled elections strain the office’s budget and capacity.

Council members pressed Levine on voter notification for Hickory Hill users, potential line delays from security screening and contingency plans if schools refuse to host polling locations in future cycles. Levine said he would expand outreach using the office website, social media, liaisons to council and low‑cost outreach options given current budget constraints.

Next steps: the elections office will continue outreach about early‑voting options and will provide further budget and schedule details as needed.