Virginia 2023 election: Key facts on voting and candidates.

Early Voting Underway in Virginia’s​ 2023 Statewide Elections

Excitement is in the air as ‍early voting kicks off in Virginia’s highly anticipated statewide elections for 2023. With all 140 seats ⁤in the state’s legislature ⁣up for ⁢grabs, commonwealth voters hold the power to shape‌ the future of their government.

In-person early voting began on September 22, ‍marking the start of a crucial period leading up ⁢to the‌ November 7 general election. This election cycle promises tight races in several ​districts, with both ‌Republicans and Democrats vying for victory.

Important Dates and Races to Watch

Here are some key dates to keep in mind and ⁢races that are sure to​ captivate political enthusiasts:

Voter Dates

• October 16: Voter registration deadline⁤ for‍ the 2023 ​election. Late registrants can still vote using a provisional⁢ ballot.
• October 27: Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot by mail, fax, or online.
• November 4: Last ⁣day of‌ early in-person voting and deadline to apply for an absentee ballot in person.
• November 6: Last day to ⁣request an emergency absentee ballot.
• November 7: Election Day.

Why the 2023 Virginia‍ Election‍ Matters

The stakes ⁢are high in the 2023 Virginia election, as the outcome will determine which party controls both houses ‌of the General Assembly. This balance of power will significantly impact Governor ‌Glenn Youngkin’s ability to advance his conservative agenda.

Currently, Republicans hold a narrow margin in the House, while Democrats have a majority in the Senate. Both parties are now aiming to flip the opposite party’s controlled chamber, setting the stage for intense competition.

Redistricting has added another layer of complexity to the races, pitting some legislators against members of their own party in the primary and setting ‌up tough ​battles ⁤in the general election.

Key Legislature Races to Watch

Several races ‍have emerged as focal points of the 2023 Virginia election:

Senate District 16

Senate District ⁣16, located in Henrico County, is the Republicans’ most vulnerable seat. Incumbent Republican state Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant ⁢faces a ​challenging reelection ⁣bid against Democratic Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg, who benefits from the district leaning Democratic after redistricting.

The key topic in this district⁢ is ‍abortion,⁤ with Virginia currently not imposing restrictions⁢ on the procedure. ⁤Dunnavant and Youngkin have expressed ⁣support​ for a 15-week abortion ban, while VanValkenburg has launched scathing ads ‍against Dunnavant on the ⁤issue.

Senate District 24

Longtime Democratic​ state⁤ Sen. Monty Mason finds ​himself in a new district ‌due to redistricting. Although the district⁢ slightly leans Democratic, Youngkin won⁣ it by a narrow margin in 2021.‍ Mason will face Republican Danny Diggs, a retired sheriff, who⁢ has the backing⁢ of the⁤ Republican State Leadership Committee.

Senate‍ District 31

Democratic prosecutor and former CIA agent⁣ Russet Perry and Republican entrepreneur‌ Juan Pablo Segura are engaged in a highly fundraised race. With no ‌incumbent due to redistricting, both candidates have raised nearly $2 million combined. While Democrats secured‌ wins in​ congressional races in 2018 and 2022, Youngkin narrowly won in 2021.

House District 65

Former ⁤Democratic state Del. Joshua ​Cole is making a comeback after losing his reelection bid in 2021. He will face Republican⁣ Lee ⁢Peters in a district that has seen a mix of party victories. Peters, a Marine Corps ⁣veteran ‍and⁢ law enforcement officer, has made ⁤public safety a top concern in this ⁤election.

House District ‍97

Redistricting has ⁢forced Republican​ Del. ‍Karen Greenhalgh to run in a new district, House District ‌97. She is up against Democratic veteran Michael Feggans, who has outraised her ​in campaign funds. The district’s voting history shows a close race, with Youngkin winning ‌by a slim margin in 2021 and Democrats securing victories in ‍congressional races.

Other Positions Up for Election

In addition to the legislative seats, various positions in local governments are also up for ⁣grabs in the ​2023 general election. These include court clerks, ⁣commonwealth’s attorneys, sheriffs, ‍school board members, and more in ⁣cities and counties such as Fairfax, Falls Church, ​Arlington, Fairfax County, and Loudoun County.

As the 2023 Virginia election⁤ unfolds, all eyes are on the commonwealth as voters ‍exercise their democratic rights and shape the future of their state.

Click ‌ here ⁢to read more from The⁤ Washington Examiner.

What are the benefits⁢ of early voting for voters, and how does it help alleviate potential issues on Election Day

Mocratic, ‍Republican challenger Michelle ⁤Joyce is‌ putting up a strong fight. This race is crucial for Democrats, as losing this seat could potentially shift the balance of power in the‌ Senate.

House District 100

House District ⁣100, located in⁤ Norfolk, is expected to be a tightly contested ⁣race between incumbent Democratic Del. Nancy Guy and Republican‍ challenger Robert Bloxom Jr. This swing district has​ historically been a battleground, and both candidates are vigorously campaigning⁤ to secure victory.

These‍ key races, along ⁣with others ⁢throughout the state, will⁢ ultimately determine which party controls the General Assembly and has‍ the power to pass or block legislation.

COVID-19 and Voting Protocols

Amidst ⁤the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, election officials in Virginia are ⁤taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of voters. Polling places will follow strict sanitization protocols, and voters are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing.

For those who prefer to vote from ​the comfort of their homes, the option for absentee voting is readily available. Virginia residents can request an absentee ballot by mail, fax, or online, and can ⁤also vote early⁢ in-person.

The Power of Early Voting

Early ‍voting provides numerous benefits for voters. It allows individuals⁢ to cast their ballots at a time that is convenient for them, avoiding long lines on Election Day. It also provides⁣ an opportunity ‍to research ‍candidates and issues thoroughly, ensuring an informed vote.

Additionally, early voting helps alleviate any ‌potential issues that may arise on Election⁤ Day,⁢ such as transportation problems or unexpected emergencies. By casting their votes early, voters⁣ can guarantee that their voices are heard,⁤ regardless of any last-minute circumstances.

Conclusion

With early⁣ voting officially underway, Virginia voters have the chance to shape the future of their government in the ⁢2023 statewide elections. The outcomes ‍of key races will determine which party ⁢controls the General Assembly and will significantly impact Governor Youngkin’s agenda.

It is important for eligible voters to take advantage of the‍ early voting period to ensure their voices are heard. By participating ‍in the democratic process, Virginians have the power to ⁣make ‍a difference and determine ⁤the path⁢ their state will take in the coming⁣ years.

As the November 7​ general election approaches, all eyes are on Virginia, anticipating the​ final‍ outcomes of this highly contested election cycle.

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