Election Day Update: Here’s what the vibe was like across Virginia

Election Day in Virginia has proceeded with few reported hiccups so far, though one precinct chief had to be replaced. 

Virginia Elections Commissioner Susan Beals said at an afternoon press conference that no Virginia voting precincts have had to be shut down for any reason. The Federal Bureau of Investigations said today that it was aware of bomb threats to polling locations in several states, though not in Virginia. 

Beals reported an update from Richmond where some voters got incomplete ballots. The Richmond city electoral board held an emergency meeting today to replace the chief of a local precinct where 11 voters were given ballots that were missing options to vote in local races. 

Elsewhere in the state, voting appeared to continue at a brisk pace with local election workers and campaign volunteers reporting strong turnout. 

Lisa Durham, the vice chair of the Fredericksburg Democratic Committee, has been out working the polls since they opened at 6 a.m. on behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign. 

“There’s a great sense of enthusiasm,” Durham told The Dogwood. “Also a sense of seriousness too. People (are) very determined. Coming, voting, and taking voting very seriously.” 

Precinct 402 chief here in Fredericksburg says turnout has been “extraordinary”and there’s been a lot of provisional ballots. Says a common problem has been people showing up to the wrong precinct but no issues to report pic.twitter.com/yvbtcJgiaP

— The Dogwood (@vadogwoodnews) November 5, 2024

As some volunteers worked the polls, others were still knocking on doors trying to motivate people to get out to vote in a close race like Virginia’s 7th congressional district. Eugene Vindman, the Democratic 7th congressional district candidate, was joined by Rep. Abigail Spanbanger to cheer on volunteers and convince any undecided voters. 

Image by Michael O’Connor

“Everybody’s going to look to the 7th,” Spanberger said. “It’s gonna be the bellwether race.” 

In the Southside, people were busy going about their daily lives, while also making time to cast their ballot. Between 7 and 9:30 a.m., Dogwood interacted with dozens of voters between two Chatham precincts: The Elections and Training Center, which serves as the Pittsylvania County General Registrar’s Office, and Chatham Elementary School.

The majority of voters declined to comment, citing that they were on their way to work, taking a parent to a doctor’s appointment, didn’t wish to be on social media, were camera shy, or weren’t usually up so early. Despite the hurried nature of the morning, voters were generally friendly and energetic, wishing Dogwood staff a great day, giving compliments, and sharing handshakes and laughs.

Of the individuals we interviewed, the voters were informed and enthusiastic. The Vernon family—Paul, Jessie, and their two young children—arrived in time not only for the parents to cast their ballots, but also to get a treat in town from Callands Coffee afterwards.

Paul Vernon shared that his motivation stretched beyond a basic civic duty.

 

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“One of the things we talk about, even in church, is how, you know, it’s important to God to come out and do your civic duty for your community,” he said. “I don’t think it matters which way you’re voting, as long as you’re educated in the facts and … what the policies are, to get out there and vote and make your voice heard.”

His wife, Jessie Vernon, focused her attention on the hours and days after the polls close. 

 

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“In addition to getting out to vote, how you react and respond after the election says a lot about your character,” Jessie said. 

She encouraged Virginians to vote with their conscience and “hang in there.”

Daniel “DT” Trent also made his way to the polls on Election Day. There, he noted that he wanted to vote, even though he didn’t fully endorse a candidate. 

“But I feel like I have to vote so that I can do my part in letting how I feel be heard,” Trent said.

Dogwood also caught up with Jerry Hastings, who waited until Election Day to cast his ballot.

“I had to vote for the president,” he said.

Elli Whitehead also went out in the early morning hours, though she noted she was looking forward to a nap after the election was over. 

“I think it’s just a civic duty, you know?” Whitehead said. “We have the right to do it, so get out and vote.”