Election month
Re “Republicans and Democrats in Virginia are now competing for early voters” (July 30): Election Day has always been a time of excitement. On that day we honor the legacy of our exceptional freedoms by selecting our elected representatives.
With changing times, Election Day has now become election month or more accurately 45 days during which our votes may be cast. This expanded time to vote ensures full opportunity for those who want to participate in the electoral process to do so. In recent elections, concerns over fraud have caused many to refrain from early voting. Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently endorsed early voting. Virginia’s early voting system is proven and is secure. I have now signed up for voting by absentee ballot (aka early voting) at elections.virginia.gov/absentee. Within several days of doing so, I received confirmation from the office of voter registration confirming that for all future elections in which I am eligible to vote, I will receive my ballot by mail 45 days prior to the relevant election. I encourage everyone who wants to ensure that his or her vote is cast to sign up for absentee voting. Be sure to check the box to receive ballots for all future elections when you do. If you still love to vote on Election Day, you can return your absentee ballot at the polls.
James M. Boyd, Esq., Virginia Beach
To the left
I frequently walk on streets with no sidewalks in Virginia Beach neighborhoods. I see lots of people walking on the right side of the road with traffic approaching from their rear. That is a very dangerous practice, putting the individual at risk of being struck by oncoming traffic. It would make sense to walk facing traffic on the left side of the street to allow the individual a chance to react should it be necessary to avoid being hit.
Virginia law states we should walk on the left side, facing traffic. Here is an excerpt from the Code of Virginia: “§ 46.2-928. Pedestrians not to use roadway except when necessary; keeping to left. Pedestrians shall not use the roadways for travel, except when necessary to do so because of the absence of sidewalks which are reasonably suitable and passable for their use. If they walk on the hard surface, or the main travelled portion of the roadway, they shall keep to the extreme left side or edge thereof, or where the shoulders of the highway are of sufficient width to permit, they may walk on either shoulder thereof.”
Alvin Owens, Virginia Beach
Homeless youth
Last year, the General Assembly passed HB717 allowing for unaccompanied homeless youths to be deemed adults to obtain housing. This bill established a work group to expand resources for homeless youth.
The Institute for Children, Poverty & Homelessness estimated a concerning total of 1.3 million homeless students in the U.S. Children experiencing trauma on the streets of Virginia are at risk for violence, trafficking, starvation, etc., causing extreme physical and mental challenges.
It is our responsibility as privileged community members of the commonwealth to stay educated regarding youth homelessness and advocate for those with a quiet voice. HB717 minimizes the barriers of this social problem; it is the commonwealth’s responsibility to make sure we continue to care for these children.
Heidie Jorgensen, Henrico
Beautiful
The birthday tribute for stillborn infant Antonio Mequel West Jr. was a beautiful tribute to a child who was “prayed for, wanted & very loved.” I hope that Antonio’s short life and his parent’s declaration of faith in God as creator and comforter, will influence others to respect the sanctity of life.
Betty Arehart, Virginia Beach
