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Cardinal News
Voter Guide: Southwest & Southside Virginia
By Brooke Stephenson and Dwayne Yancey,
21 days ago
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In less than a month, Virginians can begin primary voting to select candidates for the U.S. Senate, House, and several local positions. Cardinal News’ voter guide answers common questions about how to vote and what will be on your ballot.
May 28: Deadline to register to vote for the primary if you’re not already registered. (Voters may register after this date using a provisional ballot) . Are you registered to vote? Check here .
Can I vote with an out-of-state or expired license?
Yes. If you get to your polling place without an acceptable ID, you can sign a statement affirming your identity and vote on a regular ballot, according to the Virginia Department of Elections . If your license is expired, you can still use it to vote.
How can I vote by mail in Virginia?
You can request a mail-in ballot for the primary election until June 7.
You can also request an absentee ballot up to 11 days until June 7. After June 7, only emergency absentee ballots are available until the day before the election. To qualify for an emergency absentee ballot, you need to have a serious conflict (like a work conflict, or a health issue of an immediate family member).
Polls for the primaries will be open between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. The general election also runs between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., on Tuesday Nov. 8.
If you are in line by 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.
Can I vote from jail in Virginia?
In many cases, yes. If you do not have a felony conviction, or if the governor has restored your right to vote after a felony conviction, you can vote – even from jail. This includes if you are being detained awaiting your court date, or are in jail for a misdemeanor conviction.
The primary between Bob Good and John McGuire is set to be one of the most viciously fought in history.
Bob Good is chairman of the Freedom Caucus and therefore one of the most conservative members of Congress. He also was involved in bringing down former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. John McGuire is trying to run to Good’s right, by saying that Good is insufficiently supportive of former President Donald Trump. Good initially endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president, prompting Trump’s campaign manager to declare that: “Bob Good won’t be electable when we get done with him.” Good backed Trump once DeSantis dropped out.
In effect, both candidates are trying to run in the same ideological lane.
Which party is holding a primary? Both Democrats and Republicans will be holding primaries to choose candidates for the seat being vacated by the retirement of Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is running for governor in 2025. There are six Democrats and eight Republicans running.
Which party is holding a primary? Both Democrats and Republicans will be holding primaries to choose candidates for the seat being vacated by the retirement of Rep. Jennifer Wexton. There are 12 Democrats and four Republicans seeking primary nominations.
Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Newport News, is unopposed for re-election.
4th Congressional District
Rep. Jennifer McClennan, D-Richmond, faces Republican William “Bill” Moher in November.
6th Congressional District
U.S. Rep. Ben Cline, R-Botetourt County, will face Ken Mitchell, D-Rockingham County.
8th Congressional District
Rep. Don Beyer, D-Alexandria, faces Republican Heerak Kim in November.
9t h Congressional District
Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, will face Karen Baker, D-Floyd.
11th Congressional District
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Fairfax County, faces Republican Mike VanMeter in November.
Senate race
Candidates: Five Republicans are seeking the party’s nomination for the right to run against U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine.
Hung Cao
Jonathan Emord
Eddie Garcia
Scott Parkinson
Chuck Smith
Local primary elections
We won’t have a complete list of local races until June, but candidates have filed for party nominations in several localities. So far, primaries are set in Lynchburg and Roanoke.
Lynchburg City Council
Republicans in Ward IV will choose between incumbent Chris Faraldi and challenger Peter Alexander.
Existing candidates:
Ward I: Randy Smith (D) vs. Jacqueline Timmer (R). Open seat; MaryJane Dolan retiring.
Ward II: Sterling Wilder (D-incumbent) vs. Rodney Hubbard (R).
Ward III: James Coleman (D) vs. Jeff Helgeson (R-incumbent).
Ward IV: April Watson (D) vs. the winner of the June 18 Republican primary between Chris Faraldi (incumbent) and Peter Alexander.
Roanoke City Council
Democrats will pick three at-large nominees from among four candidates:
Terry McGuire
Jamaal Jackson
Phazon Nash
Benjamin Woods
The three winners will face Republicans Jim Garrett and Nick Hagen for three seats.
Local general elections
Roanoke mayoral race
Mayor Sherman Lea is retiring, leaving a 3-way race between Joe Cobb (D), David Bowers (R), and Stephanie Moon Reynolds (I).
Salem City Council
Salem has three council seats on the ballot this fall.
Candidates: Two Republicans have filed – incumbent Jim Wallace and former council member John Saunders. Ann Marie Green has filed as an independent but the deadline for other independents to file isn’t until June 18.
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