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Early in-person voting begins Friday, Oct. 24, in the special election that will determine who fills Braddock District’s vacant seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Democrat Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Republican Ken Balbuena and independent Carey “Chet” Campbell are competing in the Dec. 9 election. Only registered Braddock District residents may vote.
The winner will serve the remainder of the term left open by James R. Walkinshaw, who resigned Sept. 10 after being elected to Congress. Heizer secured the Democratic nomination earlier this month.
Where the candidates stand
Heizer’s campaign centers on affordability, quality of life and economic growth. Her priorities include affordable housing, fair wages, changes to the tax base, environmental preservation, safe streets, protection for federal workers, support for small businesses and job creation in emerging technologies.
Balbuena wants to ease homeowners’ tax burden by addressing commercial vacancies. He also lists preserving Lake Accotink, improving Braddock Road, funding first responders, maintaining safe neighborhoods and strengthening fiscal responsibility among his priorities. His campaign motto is “People before politics.”
Campbell, a veteran, community leader and frequent candidate, is emphasizing schools, police, fire protection and human services. Drawing on four decades of community and federal service, including work as an accountant, he proposes finding new revenue to reduce pressure on homeowners while preserving public services.
Early-voting schedule
Early voting begins at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway. The location will be open:
- Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including Nov. 4.
- Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6.
- Sunday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 5 p.m.
The Government Center will be closed Nov. 11 for Veterans Day and Nov. 27 and 28 for the Thanksgiving holidays.
A second early-voting site will open at Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road in Burke, from Saturday, Nov. 29, through Saturday, Dec. 6, the final day of early voting. It will operate from 1 to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6.
Residents may also vote at their assigned precinct on Election Day, Dec. 9.