By Taylor Boyd
Early voting is underway for the 2025 general election, and voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and all voters must go to their assigned precinct on Election Day. Sample ballots listing the candidates are printed in this newspaper.
As of early Monday, Oct. 27, Patrick County Registrar Susan Taylor said 1,111 voters had cast early ballots.
“We only started doing early voting in 2020. We’ve done one other governor’s race with early voting, and we had a little over 1,300 early voters that year in 2021. So, I’d say we’re on track to get a higher number of early voters this year,” Taylor said.
She attributes early voting’s growing popularity to increased awareness. “In 2021, the first year post-COVID, a lot of people might have thought what we did during COVID was just for COVID. I think people are just discovering they can do early voting,” she said.
Voters have responded positively, Taylor added, appreciating the convenience. “Then, they don’t have to worry about it on Election Day.”
Early voting details
Registered voters needing to vote early may do so in person at the Registrar’s Office in the Patrick County Veterans’ Memorial Building, 106 Rucker St., Room 216C, Stuart. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final day for early voting is Saturday, Nov. 1, with the office closing at 5 p.m. Voters must bring an acceptable form of identification. “It does not have to be a photo ID card. It can be a voter card, most people use their driver’s license, but it can also be a military ID, passport, school ID, or work ID,” Taylor said.
Voters in the Russell Creek Precinct are reminded that their new polling place is New Hope Community Church, 1863 Clark House Farm Road, Stuart.
Local races
Local contests include the Board of Supervisors and School Board seats for the Smith River and Dan River districts. The Smith River supervisor seat is the only contested local race, with Malcolm Roach Sr. and Rick Swink seeking the position. Incumbent and current Vice Chairman Andrew Overby is running for his first full term for the Dan River District supervisor seat.
On the school board, Water Scott is seeking a third term representing the Smith River District, while Rob Martin is seeking a second term for the Dan River District.
State races
In the 47th District of the House of Delegates, incumbent Wren Williams, R-Stuart, faces Democrat Yvonne Rorrer.
Statewide races include the governor’s contest between Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Ghazala Hashmi and John J. Reid II are seeking the lieutenant governor position. Attorney General Jason Miyares is seeking a second term against Jay Jones.
Patrick County polling places and their locations:
Dan River District
Ararat – Ararat Ruritan Bldg. 4711 Ararat Hwy.
Claudville – Claudville Community Bldg. 1828 Red Bank School Road
Willis Gap – Willis Gap Community Center 144 The Hollow Road
Peters Creek District
Dry Pond – Peters Creek Community Bldg. 2130 Dry Pond Hwy.
Patrick Springs – Patrick Springs Fire Station 181 Spring Rd.
Russell Creek – New Hope Community Church, 1863 Clark House Farm Road
Mayo River District
Critz/Stella – Hardin Reynolds Elementary School 3597 Dogwood Road
Liberty – Patrick Henry Volunteer Fire Department 3125 County Line Road
Blue Ridge District
Meadows of Dan – Meadows of Dan Community Bldg. 2858 Jeb Stuart Hwy
Stuart Fairgrounds – Hooker Building, Rotary Field, 420 Woodland Dr.
Stuart Community – Stuart Community Center (Patrick Henry Community College, Patrick Site) 212 Wood Brothers Dr.
Smith River District
Elamsville – Fairystone Fire Station 6687 Fairystone Park Hwy.
Woolwine – Smith River Rescue Squad Bldg. 9962 Woolwine Hwy.
