Governing Board Election Key Dates
Key Dates
Tuesday, Feb. 18, starting at 9 a.m. – Candidate Petition packets are available for pick-up by interested potential candidates at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, Va. 22101). Candidate Petition packets will remain available for pick-up by interested potential candidates through Monday, March 17, 2025.
Monday, March 17, by 5 p.m. – DEADLINE: Completed Candidate Petitions must be returned to the McLean Community Center by the individual candidates themselves, in-person. Verification of each person’s information submitted will be verified—certifying that they are a Small District 1A-Dranesville resident who has gained the endorsement of the required number of residents to qualify as a candidate. All persons who submit a petition will be notified as to whether they have qualified or not. Those who are duly qualified will be invited to attend the Candidate Orientation on Tuesday evening, March 25.
Tuesday, March 25, 6:30 to 8 p.m. –Candidate Orientation (in-person at MCC)
Please note: This is the only information session. It is highly recommended that candidates participate in this orientation session which features an overview of Governing Board member roles and responsibilities and the election process. This is led by the Chair of Elections and Nominations Committee Katie Gorka and Executive Director Betsy May-Salazar. A Candidate Orientation packet will be provided. A professional photographer will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. to take individual publicity headshot photos or candidates may choose to submit their own digital headshot to be used for election publicity. AFTER the Orientation, candidates may begin their personal campaigning activity to Small District 1A-Dranesville residents, owners of small businesses,and community interest groups.
Wednesday, April 2 at 9 a.m. – Absentee Voting Begins. in-person at McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, Va. 22101) or submit ballots by U.S. Mail. Your request for Absentee Ballots must be limited to members of your own household only. Requests to receive Absentee Ballots may be submitted by online form, phone (703-790-0123, TTY: 711) or email (elections@mcleancenter.org). Absentee Ballot packages will be mailed out promptly to requestors.
Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. ALL-Candidates “Meet-and-Greet” at the Spring Community Parking Lot Sale. An opportunity for ADULT and YOUTH candidates to interact with the public and answer questions about their candidacy for the MCC Governing Board. Candidates will greet people in a designated section of this outdoor event – to facilitate conversations with local residents about their interest in building a positive community atmosphere through serving on MCC Governing Board.
Friday, May 9, at 5 p.m. – Absentee Voting Ends. DEADLINE: All Absentee Voting ballots must be received (delivered —not postmarked) through the mail or dropped-off at McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, Va. 22101) by 5 p.m. The purpose of deadline is to allow sufficient time to validate/document all Absentee Ballots cast by detailed annotating of computer printouts of tax district residential addresses. These annotated computer printouts will be used as reference documentation to qualify people who haven’t yet voted as eligible to receive an in-person ballot at McLean Day event.
Friday, May 16, 4-8 p.m. – In-person voting at Friday Night Rides (McLean Day event), Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Youth candidates are expected to be present at candidate booths on Friday to interact with public. Tax district residents (adults and youth) are eligible to vote if they have not done so already during the Absentee Voting period.
Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. – In-person voting at McLean Day, Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Adult candidates are expected to be present at candidate booths on Saturday to interact with public. Tax district residents (adults and youth) are eligible to vote if they have not done so already during Absentee Voting or at Friday Night Rides on May 16. Candidates will be personally notified of the election results late Saturday evening after all votes have been tallied by the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area.
Wednesday, May 21, 6:30 p.m. – Newly-elected adults and youth are encouraged to attend and observe monthly Regular Meeting of 2024-2025 Governing Board. The two currently serving Youth members will be recognized for their outstanding service.
Wednesday, June 11, 6:30 p.m. – Final meeting of 2024-2025 Governing Board, which will include appreciation of outgoing board members for their dedicated volunteer service. Pledge ceremony for newly elected as well as those who are continuing their 3-year terms will be led by Fairfax County Supervisor Jimmy Bierman. Family and friends are welcome to attend, take photos. After the pledge, the first meeting of 2025-2026 Governing Board officially convenes, which will include: introduction of board members; election of officers; orientation by Executive Director Betsy May-Salazar.
For more information, call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or email: elections@mcleancenter.org.
