By STAFF REPORTS
Voters in Patrick County will take to the polls Tuesday, June 13, to support their candidate for Governor and Lt. Governor in the dual Democratic/Republican primaries.
Democrats Ralph Northam and Tom Perriello both are running for governor, and each hopes to emerge victorious to take on the GOP frontrunner in November.
Northam is a doctor, veteran, former state senator, and currently serves as the lieutenant governor.
Perriello, an attorney, served one term as a U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 5th congressional district.
Justin E. Fairfax, Gene J. Rossi and Susan S. Platt hope to secure their party’s nomination for lieutenant governor.
GOP candidates Edward W. “Ed” Gillespie, Corey Stewart and Frank W. Wagner are vying for their party’s nod to run for governor in the November contest.
Gillespie served as the 61st chairman of the Republican National Committee and Counselor to the President in the George W. Bush administration.
Stewart, an attorney, is currently serving a fourth term as at-large chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.
Wagner currently serves as a State Senator representing the 7th district, and also served in the Virginia House of Delegates 1992–2001.
Bryce E. Reeves, Glenn R. Davis Jr. and Jill H. Vogel all are seeking the GOP nomination to vie for lieutenant governor.
Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., according to Patrick County Registrar Susan Taylor.
Taylor said she is hopeful for a good turnout, but anticipates it will be low.
“I would like to see a big turnout, but unfortunately we generally don’t have a large turnout,” Taylor said. “Generally, turnout is less than 10 percent” for June primaries.
Voters who do participate will be asked if they want to vote in the Democratic Party or Republican Party primary. Regardless of the choice, voters will not be registered in any party.
Qualified voters may cast a ballot in either primary, but cannot vote in both, according to a release from Taylor’s office.
State law requires voters to present an acceptable form of identification, and voters are reminded to bring an acceptable form of identification to the polls with them. A free voter identification card is available to registered voters by visiting the registrar’s office.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail was June 6, but those who need to vote by absentee ballot may do so in person at the registrar’s office until 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 10.
There are 19 acceptable reasons for voting absentee, including military service, illness, being away from home, pregnancy, a long commute that would keep you from getting to the polls, and more.
A full list of qualifying reasons to vote absentee can be found at the Department of Elections Citizen Portal at vote.virginia.gov, or for additional information, call Taylor at (276) 694-7206.
