On Tuesday, November 3, 2009, folks from across the Commonwealth will participate in the solemn duty of all citizens in a democracy—they will have the opportunity to vote. Last year, Virginia experienced a record vote turnout.  Independents, Democrats and Republicans voted in large numbers and new voter registrations increased dramatically.

But Tuesday, November 3, 2009, is a not federal election.  It is a state and local election.

We are choosing the leadership that will guide our Commonwealth and our communities for the next few years. Local and state elections in Virginia have historically low voter participation rates.  During the last City Council election in the city of Roanoke, a meager 19% of registered voters went to the polls.

RIDE Solutions, Fork in the City, Fork in the Alley, and Star City Harbinger are offering three ways to entice you to the polls on Tuesday.

1. Visit ridesolutions.org for detailed, up-to-date information about how to access your voting precinct in Roanoke City or County using Valley Metro on Tuesday.
2. Take your “I Voted” sticker to either Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave SW) or Fork in the City (551 Marshall Ave SW) on Tuesday evening, November 3, and stick to your bill or show it to your server for a 10% discount on your dinner bill.
3. Visit starcityharbinger.com and click on the BallotBox icon to sign up for a car ride to the polls on Tuesday to any one of the city of Roanoke’s voting precincts.  Or call 540-314-3192 for more information.  They will give scheduling preference for shut-ins, the elderly and the disabled.

Get out the vote, Roanoke!