Polls opened at 6 a.m. for Virginia’s Congressional primary elections.
This year’s primary is later than usual — Virginia typically holds its nominating contests in June, but the schedule was pushed back to make time for Democrats’ redistricting push, which voters passed in April, but ultimately failed in the courts. Thus, the congressional maps established in 2021 remain in place for Tuesday’s election.
All in-state and out-of-state students can use their dorm or college address when registering to vote if they wish to do so in the Charlottesville area. Early, in-person voting concluded Saturday, and all mail-in ballots must be received by Friday to be counted. The deadline to register to vote was July 24. However, voters may still arrive in-person at their assigned precinct on election day to cast a provisional ballot if they complete same day voter registration.
The Cavalier Daily will be updating this page throughout Tuesday with insights on the election.
What’s on the ballot?
In primary elections nationwide and in the Commonwealth, voters decide their party’s candidates that will appear on November’s general election ballot. Virginia is an open primary state, meaning voters may request a Democratic or Republican ballot regardless of party affiliation. Virginia’s 5th Congressional District is the only federal race to have a primary contest for both Republicans and Democrats.
In the Commonwealth’s 5th Congressional District, neither party is expected to showcase close races. Voters who ask for a Democratic ballot will choose from Tom Perriello (D) — who is expected to come away with the nomination — Robert Tracinski (D) and Dr. Suzanne Krzyzanowski (D). Perriello has already received support from Gov. Abigail Spanberger, among other prominent state Democrats.
For voters who request a Republican ballot, they will choose between two candidates. First-term Rep. John McGuire (R) is seeking renomination and has received the backing of President Donald Trump, and Melanie Lucero (R) is challenging him for the nomination.
As for the Senate seat, three Republican candidates are seeking the party’s nomination for Virginia’s Class II U.S. Senate seat. Republican candidates Bert Mizusawa, Kim Farington and David Williams are challenging Sen. Mark Warner (D), who is seeking re-election in November and is unopposed for his party. Any of the three Republican candidates will be fighting an uphill battle this fall — Warner is expected to come away with a comfortable victory, according to Ballotpedia. He has held the seat since 2009 and announced last month that this year will be his last run if he wins.
For more detailed coverage of what’s on the ballot and political priorities of each candidate, check out previous coverage by The Cavalier Daily.
