Early Voting Ends Saturday, Nov. 1: Make Your Voice Heard with Accessible Options
Early voting for the upcoming General and Special Elections in Virginia is underway, with Saturday, Nov. 1 as the final day to cast your ballot early in person. Voters can choose from 16 convenient early voting locations throughout Fairfax County, including libraries, community centers, and government centers.
Accessibility is a top priority. All polling places, including early voting sites, meet state and federal accessibility standards, offering features such as:
- Curbside voting (for those who are 65 or older or have disabilities)
- Electronic ballot-marking tools for use with assistive technology
- Accessible voting machines and wheelchair-friendly setups
- Magnifiers and notepads
For more on accessible voting options, visit Virginia Dept. of Elections: Accessible Voting. Every voter has the right to participate. If you need any assistance or accommodations while registering or voting, election officers are available to help!
If the ongoing federal government shutdown continues, November SNAP benefits may not be issued, which could leave thousands of Fairfax County families in need of food assistance. Fairfax County is working to address this potential gap.
Who Will Be Impacted?
Nearly 29,000 households and over 56,000 individuals in Fairfax County rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps. Currently, SNAP provides about $9.9 million in benefits to residents each month. October benefits were distributed as expected, but November payments may be delayed or canceled if federal funding remains unavailable.
October 23 Update: Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared, in a State of Emergency, that "the Commonwealth will provide food benefits." We are waiting for guidance from the Virginia Department of Social Services on how to move forward at the local level.
What Resources Are Available Now?
Stay Informed
Fairfax County will continue to share updates as soon as they are available. Visit the SNAP updates page for the latest details or check out the Federal Government Resource Hub for broader information on the shutdown’s impacts.
Fairfax County offers services to make finding the right mental health support for your child easier. Healthy Minds Fairfax connects children and young adults to behavioral health resources, working with schools, therapists, and families to improve access and quality. Listen to this episode of The County Conversation to find out how families facing obstacles like cost, limited providers, or stigma can get personalized assistance.
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Here's a look at some of what's covered:
- Self-navigation tools
- Youth care navigation services
- Free therapy sessions through schools
- Behavioral changes and signs to watch for
Visit the Healthy Minds Fairfax website to learn more, connect with a free Individual Care Navigator, and explore the free database to find local resources near you.
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 Explore Lifelong Learning Through Adult & Community Education (ACE)
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in lifelong learning, and with the 2025-26 FCPS ACE Course Catalog now reaching mailboxes, there's never been a better time to invest in yourself. Whether you’re looking to boost career skills, earn certifications, or explore personal interests, ACE offers hundreds of affordable courses designed to fit your schedule. Classes are available both in-person and online, giving you flexibility to learn on your own terms.
 D.C. Street Renamed in Honor of Louise B. Miller
On September 4, 2025, the 1200 block of T Street NW was officially renamed to Louise B. Miller Way, recognizing the late advocate’s relentless fight for access to education for Black Deaf students.
Louise B. Miller and Her Fight for Black Deaf Education Equity
Louise B. Miller began her journey for equity in the 1940s, driven by the challenges her son, Kenneth Miller, faced as a Deaf child. At the time, Black Deaf children in D.C. were sent far from home to pursue their education, while White Deaf children had the option to attend the Kendall School for the Deaf in Northeast D.C. on the now Gallaudet University campus. Mrs. Miller, alongside other parents, fought through court battles, eventually winning the Miller v. D.C. Board of Education lawsuit that led to the establishment of the Kendall Division II School for Negroes.
Mrs. Miller’s legacy inspired Gallaudet’s Necessity of Now (NOW) campaign, which funds scholarships, programming, and the creation of the Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children, a memorial on the campus honoring her contributions and promoting reflection on equity and social justice.
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