Wait before you scroll down! This is your friendly reminder that Virginia’s primary elections will take place tomorrow, Aug. 4, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. See who is on your ballot by viewing the candidate lists. 

“All localities will have at least one primary election, but only 82 of Virginia’s 133 localities will have primaries for both parties,” according to the Virginia Department of Elections. 

Not having two parties represented in every locale is not abnormal for primary elections in Virginia. Voters tomorrow will choose which candidate from their party best represents their values in the upcoming fall races. In November, the broader Election Day will feature both Democrats and Republicans each vying for the same seat in elections for the US Senate and US House, as well as candidates running for local offices. 

You can check this map to see if your party has a primary because I’m so glad you’re here.

One of the best ways to get involved in Virginia is to perform your civic duty—or in plainer terms, vote.

Interestingly enough, Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Virginia into an agreement earlier this year that, if passed, ensures the state gives its 13 electoral votes to whichever presidential candidate wins the popular vote. 

The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact only goes into effect when enough states possessing 270 electoral votes have signed on—and as the 2028 elections approach, reaching that number could change who becomes president.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes a story by Carly Seward Maher. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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