Nationally Recognized Elections Open House Returns Aug. 29

The Prince William County Office of Elections will host its third annual Open House on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at how elections are administered in the county.  

The program was launched in 2024 to increase transparency and build confidence in the electoral process. It has since earned national recognition, receiving a 2026 People’s Choice Award from The Election Center. 

Attendees are led on timed, guided tours through the Office of Elections, stopping along the way to hear staff presentations and engage in hands-on demonstrations. Topics cover all the major elements of election administration, including voter registration, mail ballot intake and processing, voting equipment security, and results tabulation and verification.  

The tours are designed to take residents beyond what they see on Election Day and provide a closer look at the people, processes and safeguards behind each election. 

“I hope voters see all the different steps that go into this process and all the security measures in place to make sure elections are accurate and fair,” Director of Elections Eric Olsen said. 

To make it easier for residents to attend, the Office of Elections will hold this year’s Open House on a Saturday. Residents are encouraged to bring friends, neighbors and children to learn more about how elections work ahead of the November Federal Midterms. 

The event is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required. Tours take roughly one hour. Visit pwcvotes.org to register.