Hello Friends & Neighbors,
With summer 2014 winding down, there is still so much to do and so much fun to have. However, there are some pretty interesting developments in a state voting matter I wanted to share with you.
Happy Labor Day Weekend 
Whether you are hitting the road this holiday weekend, using the three-day weekend to catch up on things around your home or if you have to work, this holiday is to honor the contributions of the men and women in our workforce.
Our hats are off to you.
Voter I.D. laws 
You may have heard about the investigation into voter fraud in Fairfax County. Source
After years of arguments that Virginia does not have a problem with voter fraud, and that the requirement of showing a valid ID is unnecessary and an infringement on voter rights, we see all too clearly that voter fraud can exist.
It was discovered that 17 people who voted in the 2012 general election at a poll in Fairfax also voted in the same election at another polling station in the state of Maryland. While this number is small, please remember that elections locally have been decided in recent times by as little as 12 votes.
Any allegation of voter fraud must be investigated to maintain the integrity of our system.
The right to vote is one of the most sacred tenets of our constitution. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the State Board of Elections and all who are working to ensure the integrity of our elections.
Fun at the Oceanfront 
As summer 2014 winds down, we will have another great celebration of the good life we enjoy here in Virginia Beach!
The Rock & Roll Half-Marathon is happening this weekend so if you want to run in this event, you need to sign up quickly.
We will also be holding the American Music Festival this weekend! The event will be held Aug. 29-31 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This year's event features four major headline bands on the 5th St. Main Stage. Train, Hunter Hayes, Creedence Clearwater Revisited and Blues Traveler. Tickets on sale at Ticketmaster.
Proud of Our Wounded Warriors
Last week I shared with you that I was invited to throw out the first pitch at the Wounded Warriors Softball game held at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. The first pitch was caught but since it's been a while since I was on a baseball field, I am happy that my photographer was wise enough not to stand behind home plate.
I cannot begin to tell you how much I admire these men and women who have suffered such grievous injuries defending our country, and yet they still have it within themselves to play, compete and win.
Oyster Roast Season!
Although many of our school-age children are sad to see another summer vacation pass, the rest of us know that the start of a new school year and the coming of fall means one thing to Virginia Beach-OYSTER ROASTS!
And there are some great ones coming our way!
The Cape Henry Oyster Crush is happening on September 21st, 2014, you can purchase your tickets for this event online and I'll probably see you there.
The Tidewater Builders Association is also having a first-annual oyster festival called "Shucked in the Park" that will be held on October 24th at where else but the 24th Street Park, Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Their website is live and you can purchase your tickets online for this event, too.
Lynnhaven River Now also hosts a great oyster roast in the fall, but these folks are pretty smart.
They have a river cleanup event as well as a sustainable living event before having their oyster roast this year, so they're going to get some important work done to help protect our waterways and try to help us all live a "greener" life first.
If you haven't attend the Lynnhaven River Now Oyster Roast, believe me when I tell you the effort they ask us to put forth to preserve and protect our area waterways is a small price to pay when compared to all the great food and friendly people you will encounter.
They also have 500 trees that are looking for good homes here in Virginia Beach-and they are free of charge.
They are looking for volunteers to help them, so please give some thought to taking an active role in protecting one of the natural treasures we have in Virginia Beach.
I'll be sure to let you know when tickets go on sale for the Lynnhaven River Now Oyster Roast. Visit the Lynnhaven River Now website for more information on the great things they do for our community.
Please pass this update along to your friends and fellow veterans. I am interested in your thoughts and concerns. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] or (757) 321-8180.
Please go to my website at www.BillDeSteph.com to sign up for updates and follow me on Facebook for the latest happenings in our district.
Have a happy and safe holiday weekend,
With warmest regards,
