The first of the big dates is just about here.  On May 4th, Prince William County (PWCGOP), Manassas, and Manassas Park Republicans will hold a firehouse primary (see pwcgop.gop and Prince William County Republican Party Primary (pwcvotes.com) for information). What is different?

• There will only be seven voting locations in Prince William County and one each in Manassas and Manassas Park. Since the turnout will most likely be relatively small, that should be sufficient.
• Voting will take place between 10 AM and 3 PM.
• To vote, you will have to be a registered voter in possession of a valid photo ID (drivers license will work).
• Participants will be required to sign a statement of intent to vote for the party’s nominee. If you have voted in a Democratic Party Primary (2014 or later), the PWCGOP will also require a signed statement of renunciation (Note that party officials keep copies of these statements.).

Once you are checked in and you have signed the necessary forms you will be given a ballot. Then you can fill out the ballot and put it into the ballot box. After everyone has voted, the votes will be manually counted.

Why are PWCGOP, Manassas, and Manassas Park Republicans holding their own primary? That is probably because Virginia does not require party registration in order to participate in primary elections. A party-run firehouse primary allows the Republican Party to ensure that only Republicans vote in the primary.

If you have additional questions, please contact the office of the Prince William County Republican Chairman, Bill Card, by calling 703-680-7388, or by emailing chairman@pwcgop.gop.

Note also that the PWCGOP can still use volunteers. If you want to help make the Republican Firehouse Primary a success, call 703-680-7388 or email chairman@pwcgop.gop.