Mclean votes

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Mclean votes *

Who we are

We are a student-led voter registration initiative based in McLean, Virginia, dedicated to empowering the next generation of informed and engaged citizens. Our mission is to make the voting process accessible, understandable, and exciting for young people in our community. Through educational events, registration drives, and outreach in local schools, we aim to increase civic participation and ensure that every student ages 16 and older has the tools and confidence to pre-register/register to vote to make their voice heard.

At our core, we believe that democracy works best when everyone is involved.

Meet the founder

Hi! I’m Ariona Shaughnessy, a senior at McLean High School and the founder of the McLean Youth Voter Initiative. I started this project because I wanted to make it easier for young people in my community to get involved in the democratic process. As I was talking to my peers about upcoming elections, I realized how many people don’t know about upcoming elections or how to register to vote.

Through this initiative, I’ve worked to organize registration drives, share voting resources, and spark conversations about civic engagement among my peers. My goal is to help every student feel confident about their ability to make a difference, one ballot at a time.

To be eligible to vote you must…

  • Be 18 years old by the next election

    You must be 18 years old by the next general election.

    You may submit a voter pre-registration application beginning at 16 years old, but if you are 17 and will turn 18 by the next general election, you can register in advance.

  • Be A U.S. Citizen

    Only United States citizens are allowed to register and vote in elections

  • Be a Virginia Citizen

    You must live in Virginia and not claim residency in another state

  • No Disciplinary actions

    If you were convicted of a felony, you must have your voting rights restored before registering.

    If you were declared mentally incompetent by a court, your competency must be restored.

Different ways to register to vote…

  • Use your Virginia DMV-issued ID to Register to Vote Online using this link https://www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal/

  • Please fill out a registration form and send it to your local registrar

  • Visit your local Fairfax County Office of Elections

  • Register at your polling place on Election Day

Pre-Registration for Young Voters

What is pre-registration?

  • Available to 16- and 17-year-olds in Virginia

  • Allows you to register before turning 18

  • Your registration becomes active automatically when you turn 18

Benefits:

  • Ensures you are ready to vote as soon as you are eligible

  • Helps you avoid missing registration deadlines

  • Learn more: Virginia pre-registration info

““Democracy is based upon the conviction there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.””
— Harry Emerson Fosdick

Voting options in Virginia

1. In-Person on Election Day – Go to your assigned polling location

2. Early Voting / Absentee Voting – Vote before Election Day if you can’t attend in person

3. Voting by Mail (Absentee) – Request an absentee ballot if you meet eligibility requirements

Voting & Registration Deadlines in Virginia

    • Standard Registration Deadline:
      Voters must register or update their registration no later than 11 days before Election Day.

    • Same-Day Registration:
      Virginia allows voters to register and vote through Election Day. Voters who register after the standard deadline will cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted once eligibility is verified.

    • Requesting an Absentee Ballot:
      The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail or online is 5:00 PM, 11 days before Election Day.

    • Returning an Absentee Ballot:
      Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by the local registrar by noon on the third day after the election to be counted. Ballots may also be returned in person by 7:00 PM on Election Day.

  • Virginia offers in-person early voting before Election Day. Early voting dates and locations are set by local registrars and vary by election.

  • Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Election Day. Any voter in line by 7:00 PM may vote!

Learn more

Why YOUR voice matters

You can have a say in issues that affect your community and future

  • You can participate in local and state decisions that impact schools, taxes, and transportation

  • You can learn responsibility and civic engagement

  • You can make your voice count in shaping government

Tip: Even small elections can affect real change locally

Contact us

Interested in registering to vote? Fill out this quick form and get sent a voter registration link with all the steps needed!