Problem
In Henrico County, over 35 schools are used as voting precincts. Currently, when the polls are open to vote in the spring, whether in March or in June, the schools are also open. Given the age and design of many of the schools, voters must walk through the school to get to the polling area. Student resource officers are not allowed to man entrance points due to voter intimidation and the door of the school must remain unlocked to allow voters in. This practice risks the safety of Henrico County students. And while keeping our children home those days may be an option for some, child care options are limited because the schools are open.

Solution
Given the school division embraces Student Safety and Wellness as one of their four crucial cornerstones, we ask that the Henrico County School Board either close schools or schedule staff work days when the schools will be open to the public.

Personal story
As parents of children in Henrico County, our children’s safety is a top priority. We entrust our children to these schools almost every day. Having the schools remain open during elections puts our children at risk. So we ask you to sign this petition and to share it with your friends. The more signatures we get, the more likely the school board is to make this change for the safety of our kids.