Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

We interrupt this broadcast to note two important things: 1) Early voting in Virginia starts today. 2) We have all you need to know about the upcoming election at our brand new voter hub—a one-stop shop for ballot information, voting processes, and more.

Want to check your voter registration status while you’re at it? You can do that here.

Help us spread the word. We’ve got a “share with a friend” option at the top of this newsletter, right above our Dogwood banner. Voting this year helps select Virginia’s next governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and all 100 state delegates. Casting a ballot—and encouraging others to do so—is one of the most effective ways to ensure your voice is heard.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to vote, Virginia! Enjoy your time at the ballot box, and remember, I’m so glad you’re here.

Here’s what you need to know: We get it. Figuring out how to vote, especially in a big election year, can feel like a maze. That’s exactly why we launched our voter hub. Whether you’re voting for the first time or just need a refresher, it’s all here and super easy to use.

What you’ll find inside:

• The Virginia first-timer’s guide to voting—Whether you’re freshly 18, a new US citizen, or simply registered to vote for the first time in Virginia, it’s important to know what you need and what to do before you get in line.

• The dos and don’ts of voting by mail in Virginia—Are you planning to vote by mail this year? Whether you’ll be out of town on Election Day, are experiencing mobility or transportation challenges, or simply don’t want to venture to your polling precinct, submitting your vote through the mail is a great option.

• Early in-person voting in Virginia: Where, when, and how to vote—With so much at stake in this year’s elections—including deciding who represents you both in the governor’s office and in the Virginia House—voting early gives you a chance to make sure your voice is heard.

• Here’s how to cast a Virginia ballot on Election Day—Voting in person on Election Day requires a bit of planning, so we’ve rounded up the facts you need to be informed.

The bottom line? Voting doesn’t have to be confusing—and you don’t have to Google every little detail. With our new voter hub, you can find everything in one place.

Across the country, the future of local news is uncertain. But here at Dogwood, we’re staying focused—on you.

Our goal for our fall fundraising campaign is to raise $350 by Sept. 30 to keep this kind of coverage strong in Virginia.

If you’ve ever read one of our stories and thought, “I wouldn’t have known this otherwise,” we hope you’ll consider supporting our work today.

We asked, you answered.

On Monday, we posed the question: “Did medical costs ever force you to delay care or cut back on essentials?”

One response in particular really spoke to me. It came from Kevin S., a reader on Instagram, who experienced a hernia years ago, which got worse with heavy lifting required by an employer.

From self-medicating for high blood pressure to concerns about additional medical needs that could spring up, Kevin shared worries with which I think many of us can relate.

Want to be part of the conversation? My inbox is always open to you at amie@couriernewsroom.com.

Virginia Lieutenant Gov. Winsome Earle Sears (center) arrives at the Virginia War Memorial for the annual Veterans Day ceremony. (Michael Scott Milner/Shutterstock)

By Ryan Pitkin

We have officially entered election season in Virginia, and as one of just two states with a gubernatorial race this year, all eyes are on the Old Dominion State.

For those new to the political realm, gubernatorial refers to the governor, and this year’s race is an intriguing one. But before we get to that, let’s take a look at what the governor really does from their home in the Executive Mansion.

As head of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s government, the governor is commander-in-chief of the Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force (the all-volunteer reserve of the Virginia National Guard) as well as director of emergency management, among other roles.

Governors can issue executive orders, but perhaps their most important legislative task is in approving or vetoing bills that are brought to their desk.

With current Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin at the end of his term limit, this year’s race is between former US Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, and current Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican.

Join Dogwood on Tuesday, Sept. 30, in Northern Virginia for an evening of panels exploring the issues shaping Virginia’s political future. Learn about the real-world impact of the upcoming elections and how they affect communities across the commonwealth.

What to Expect:

• Panel discussions on key topics influencing Virginia elections and ways residents can take action
• Opportunities to learn how communities across Virginia are being affected
• A chance to connect, listen, and engage with fellow residents and Virginia leaders

Space is limited, so reserve your free spot today and join the conversation shaping Virginia’s future.

• This November, either Abigail Spanberger or Winsome Earle-Sears will be the first female governor in Virginia’s history. Here’s where each woman stands on issues important to Virginians. (Read more here)

• Governors aren’t just state managers—they can set the tone for democracy itself. They control state budgets, decide whether to sign or veto laws, and appoint officials who oversee elections. In some states, governors also certify election results and direct how federal funds are spent. (Read more here)

• Election Day is just under two months away, and a new poll from Virginia Commonwealth University shows that the cost of living is top of mind for voters who’ll be deciding the commonwealth’s next governor. (Read more here)

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