2013 Democratic Primary: Low Turnout in Fairfax Station Area

Primary elections are infamous for having low turnout, but this one takes the cake for some Lorton precinct captains. 

"This is  my 73rd election, and it's the slowest primary I've ever seen," said Philip Scruggs, the precinct captain of Precinct 105 at Fairview Elementary School in Fairfax Station. "We had more seniors today than anyone else. We also had a first time voter."

Fairview, which is the largest precinct in Fairfax COunty with 4,947 registered voters, saw just 118 voters by 5:30 p.m.

At Silverbrook Elementary School in Fairfax Station (Precinct 839) there were 76 voters at 5:15 p.m.

"I saw it this bad about eight years ago, but there was bad weather that day," said Silverbrook precinct captain Emil Regalman. "Usually in elections like this we get at least 200-300."

Tuesday's primary will decide the Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general. State Sen. Ralph Northam (D-Norfolk) will face off for lieutenant governor against Aneesh Chopra, the first U.S. chief technology officer under President Barack Obama. Former federal prosecutor Justin Fairfax is facing State Sen. Mark Herring (D-Loudoun) for the attorney general nomination.

Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat from McLean, was the only person to file paperwork for governor.

The last time Virginia had a June primary with only lieutenant governor and attorney general on the ballot—similar to this year — was in 2001. That year, fewer than 165,000 people voted in Virginia, a voter turnout of approximately 4.2 percent, according to the Virginia State Board of Elections.

Fairfax isn’t an anomaly – turnout has been low across the region.

Only about 50 voters had been through the Herndon Community Center as of 10 a.m., said Cesar del Aguila, chairman of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee, who was on hand to answer questions and assist voters.

“But, in my experience, Democrats tend to vote later in the day, so I expect to see a big uptick after the 5 p.m. hour," he said.

Meanwhile in Lorton: 

"I've been working at the polls for six years and I've never been this bored," said Laurel Hill Precinct 628 Captain Jaqcueline Garrett.

At 3:30 p.m., Laurel Hill had 39 votes - after being open since 6:00 a.m.

Precinct 617, the Lorton Library, had 57 voters (of 2,429 registered voters) by 3:45 p.m.

It was slow going at South County Precinct 629, which also had 39 votes (out of 2,945 registered voters) by 4 p.m.   

"This is the slowest I've experienced in seven years," said 629 precinct captain Nathanial Shelton. "I expect another 10-15 more votes by the end of the day." 

The polls close at 7:00 p.m.

See: Election 2013: Virginia Primary Results