Fries, Virginia Public Records

Virginia residents register to vote online through the state portal at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/, where they'll need to provide their driver's license number or Social Security number. Registration closes 22 days before any election, and applicants must be U.S. Citizens, Virginia residents, at least 18 by the next general election, and have voting rights restored if previously convicted of a felony. Recent law changes mean voters no longer need photo ID at the polls, they can show identification or sign a statement confirming their identity. The town holds municipal elections for its five-member Town Council and mayor. Council members serve four-year staggered terms, with elections typically scheduled for May of odd-numbered years alongside other Virginia municipal contests. The most recent council election took place in May 2024, putting the next one in May 2026. Candidate filing details and local election information are available through the General Registrar's office and posted at Fries Town Hall at 1 Main Street South. Any local ballot measures also appear during these May elections. Residents participate in county, state, and federal elections as part of Grayson County's precinct system. Voters can find their assigned polling place using the Virginia Department of Elections' locator at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/ by entering a home address, or by contacting the Registrar directly. Most residents cast ballots at a precinct in or near town, often at the Fries Community Center or another municipal building. Grayson County saw roughly 65-70% turnout among registered voters in the November 3, 2024 general election, reflecting the strong participation typical of presidential years in rural Virginia. Looking ahead to 2026, Virginia voters won't find a U.S. Senate race on the ballot (both seats were elected in 2020 and 2024), and the Governor's race falls in odd years, with the next in 2025. Local voters will choose their state delegate representing the district that includes Grayson County, typically part of the 7th or 8th House District depending on redistricting. Virginia offers extensive absentee and early voting without requiring an excuse. In-person early voting (officially "absentee voting in-person") begins 45 days before elections at the General Registrar's office in Independence, available during regular hours and some Saturdays before Election Day. Mail-in ballot requests can be submitted online at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/, by mail, fax, or in person at the Registrar's office. The deadline is 11 days before Election Day at 5:00 PM. Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by noon three days later, or delivered in person to the Registrar's office or a drop box by 7:00 PM on Election Day. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act makes extensive election records publicly available. Voter registration lists can be purchased for legitimate purposes, though commercial solicitation is prohibited. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed electronically and accessible through the Public Access system at https://apps.elections.virginia.gov/SBE_CSV/CFREPORTS/. Precinct-level results for all county precincts appear on the state elections website shortly after certification. The General Registrar maintains candidate filings and local election information for town races, available upon request.