With only 11 days remaining until Virginians head to the polls, negative ads — always expected, but never welcome — are flooding the airwaves. The calculation of many campaigns is that the period for winning voters to their side is over, and that the best they can now do is to discourage Virginians likely to support their opponent from casting a ballot.
That’s unfortunate and a strategy repeated each election cycle. The best antidote to this behavior, as always, is to show up on Nov. 4 and vote, choosing to participate in our electoral process rather than embracing the cynicism these negative ad peddlers seek to cultivate.
The general election next month promises to make considerable changes to the elected leadership of our commonwealth and many area communities. The statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general may dominate the airwaves, consuming so much of the public’s attention, but there are a host of other races on the ballot deserving voters’ thoughtful consideration.
That begins, of course, with the 100 seats in the House of Delegates that will be decided in November. Remaking the lower chamber every two years provides Virginians with the opportunity to stay the course with those in power or chart a new one that better serves their interests. There are several hotly contested House races here in Hampton Roads and those outcomes could well decide which party holds power in the chamber and the size of its majority.
But beyond those lawmakers our region will send to Richmond, many localities have races for constitutional offices of sheriff, treasurer, commonwealth’s attorney and commissioner of revenue. There are seats for school board and boards of supervisors on the ballot. And Virginia Beach will decide a referendum regarding its voting districts, with residents choosing between a 10-1 system and a 7-3-1 system.
Enthusiasm for this year’s election is high. Virginians have already cast nearly 800,000 ballots since early voting began Sept. 19, according to the Virginia Public Access Project (vpap.org), and the nonpartisan data organization projects that early voting this year will surpass the number of ballots cast in 2021.
Those numbers are poised to grow significantly in the coming days. Many localities will expand in-person voting locations this weekend, providing a convenient way for more people to have their say in this year’s election. Check your local registrar’s website for more information.
Today also marks the deadline for those wishing to cast a ballot on Nov. 4 to complete their voter registration and to make any necessary updates. The easiest way to do so is to visit the Virginia Department of Elections website at elections.virginia.gov to complete an online registration, though eligible Virginians can also stop by their local registrar’s office to complete the application. It’s a good idea for anyone intending to vote on Election Day to visit the state elections website to confirm their voter registration for accuracy.
The registration deadline has been somewhat sapped of its gravity now that Virginia allows same-day registration for those who turn up at the polls Nov. 4. Those who choose that route are allowed to cast a provisional ballot which is then verified by local election officials before it is counted. It’s another way that Virginia has reduced the barriers to participation while still ensuring the security of our elections.
Having ample information about the candidates and races at stake this year is critical to making thoughtful choices, which is why The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press has compiled all our election stories into handy voter guides. Those can be found at pilotonline.com/electionguide and dailypress.com/electionguide.
The campaigns themselves may be trying to scare off voters with their relentless negativity, but Virginians shouldn’t let that hinder their exercise of democracy. Complete or confirm your registration. Make a plan for casting a ballot. And make sure to have your say about the future of our communities and our commonwealth.
