Around Virginia there have been reports of waves of last-minute registrations by new voters. A rumor earlier today had it that some registrars would not be able to meet the deadline for getting the names in to the State Board of Elections in time. People might be turned away at the polls, snuffing out that admirable enthusiasm.

We spoke by phone with Charlottesville Voter Registrar Sheri Iachetta. She tells us that she has added some temporary help, and her office is "on track to get it done … even if we have to work around the clock."

Iachetta tells us that she is one of a number of registrars who requested an extension of the deadline, presently this Sunday at 5:00 pm. "We asked for Monday at five."

We also spoke by phone with Jean Jensen, Secretary of the State Board of Elections in Richmond. She's been communicating by email with registrars throughout the Commonwealth, and is optimistic. "They'll get it done. The deadline will stay at five on Sunday.

"We've been working with WITA [the state information technology office]," says Jensen, "and they've extended the hours that Registrars will have access to the database [in order to post their new registrants]. And I'm sure a lot of staff people will get some well-deserved time off on Monday."

Dave Sagarin, October 7, 2004