Voting in Virginia

The election for Governor and other positions here in Virginia is November 4th, but early voting started last week on Friday, September 20th. At 9:45 that morning, I was voter number 54. We are blessed and cursed here in Virginia, with elections Every. Single. Year. This year, the stakes are high.

One “reason” given for the off-year elections is, in theory, it removes federal influence from state level elections. It lets Virginia choose who they want, without tying it to whatever is happening nationally. Strangely, it has had the opposite effect. Since 1977, with one exception, Virginians have elected their governor from the OPPOSITE party of the most recent presidential election. 

 Which brings us to this year’s election. President Trump was of course elected last year. Currently in Virginia, we have a Republican Governor, LT Governor, and Attorney General. The House of Delegates is controlled by the Democrats, 51-49. All of those positions are up for election. The State Senate, which the Democrats control 21-19, does not have elections this year.

 For years, members of both parties have said “This is the most important election ever.”  This year, it feels like it is true here in Virginia.

 We all know what is going on federally and across the country. The cutbacks in Medicaid that are coming. The inefficiency of DOGE. The reduction of critical resources in the federal government. The attempts at intimidation and the silencing of critics. The outright lying or misrepresentation of the truth. The lack of resolution around the Epstein files. The misuse of the military. The indiscriminate firing of fully qualified blacks and women. The lack of an effective policy for Ukraine, after the President said he would immediately end the war with Russia. The mistreatment of friends and allies. The attacks on women’s health. The gerrymandering in Texas. Attacks on our health systems and health research… Our state government is more important than ever.

 While the pundits talk about the Congressional midterms next year in 2026, those who pay attention are not yet looking that far ahead. They are watching what happens in Virginia this year, along with the Governor’s race in New Jersey.

 Until 2017, I was an independent voter, supporting both Dems and Repubs. After the events in Charlottesville* that year, things changed for me. Since then, as most know, I have worked actively in Democratic Politics here in Virginia. I have been a part of both wins and losses.

This year, people are particularly fired up in Virginia. They are donating their hard-earned money. They are donating their time. They are asking “How can I help?” As I canvass and knock doors here in Red Fauquier, I’m meeting more Republicans who are saying, “Enough! I’m a Republican, but I didn’t vote for this!”

 I urge you to support democracy. If you live in Virginia, certainly vote, but also consider getting involved with the activities of your local Dem party. Speak with your friends and make sure they are also going to vote. If you live outside of Virginia, consider donating to one of our great candidates, at the state or local level. I will provide links to their websites in the addendum. 

This is a different blog than what I intended when I started writing. My fingers just took over. Is this the most important election ever? I have come to the decision that, yes, it is.  Our freedoms and democracy are on the line and I hope you will think about Virginia’s 2025 elections and how you can help. For those of you in blue counties, consider volunteering your time to red counties.  We can use your help.

Yes, I already voted last week. I have also donated to candidates and have canvassed since July. I will continue canvassing every week between now and November 4th. If you aren’t willing to get involved now, then when?

– Feel free to share this Blog –

Addendum:

* Forgotten about Charlottesville and what happened there? Here is a blog about my niece, and the KKK and Nazi incidents in Charlottesville, Virginia in August, 2017. https://mnhallblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/this-is-not-my-america/

As promised, here are links to the great candidates we have here in Fauquier, and in Virginia:

• You can learn about local businessman, member of the Biden White House, and HOD Candidate for the 30th district, John McAuliff here: https://www.john4va.com/
• You can learn about local teacher, Afghan War Veteran, member of the National Guard, and HOD Candidate for the 61st district here: https://www.benningtonforvirginia.com/
• You can learn about former member of Congress and current candidate for Governor, Abigail Spanberger here: https://abigailspanberger.com/
• You can learn about educator, current State Senator, and candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Ghazala Hashmi here: https://ghazalaforvirginia.com/
• You can learn about attorney, former member of the Virginia HOD, and candidate for Attorney General Jay Jones here: https://www.jayjones.com/