Candidates in state and local races will be on the ballot when voters head to the polls Tuesday, according to Patrick County Registrar Susan Taylor.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., she said, and estimated 40 to 45 percent of the county’s 11,944 registered voters will cast a ballot on Tuesday, based on turnout in previous years.
Taylor said she believes the gubernatorial race will drive voter turnout.
Political pundits and many others are hailing the gubernatorial contest as a referendum on the Trump administration, with Democrat Ralph S. Northam, Republican Edward W. “Ed” Gillespie and Libertarian candidate Clifford D. Hyra pitted against each other in the three-way race.
Democrat Justin E. Fairfax squares off against Republican Jill H. Vogel in the race for Lieutenant Governor, while incumbent Democrat Mark R. Herring takes on GOP challenger John D. Adams for the Attorney General post.
In the race for the 9th District in the House of Delegates, incumbent Charles D. Poindexter, R-Glade Hill is being challenged by Stephanie C. Cook, a Rocky Mount democrat.
Local races include a three-way contest for the Clerk of Court, with Robert M. “Rob” Hiatt, Teresa Hall Roberson and Sherri M. Hazlewood vying for the seat.
Voters in the Dan River District also will elect a member to the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, with incumbent Roger T. Hayden challenged by Jane Scales Fulk.
Crystal P. Harris is unopposed in her bid for the Smith River District spot on the Patrick County Board of Supervisors.
Also on the ballot are Brandon J. Simmons, who is seeking the Dan River District seat on the Patrick County School Board and incumbent J.D. Morse, who is seeking reelection to the Smith River District seat on the Patrick County School Board.
Voters are reminded to bring an acceptable form of photo identification with them to the polls. Virginia law requires all voters to present an acceptable form of photo identification when voting. A free photo identification card is available to any registered voter who does not possess a valid form of identification and can be obtained by visiting any Registrar’s Office.
Residents who need additional information about acceptable forms of photo identification, to check registration or to verify polling location may visit www.elections.virginia.gov.
In-person absentee voting can be done through Saturday, Nov. 4.
Absentee ballots that were mailed to voters must be completed and received by 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, Taylor said.
Registered voters may qualify to vote absentee if one of the 20 acceptable reasons for voting absentee applies, such as 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 is available at the Department of Elections Citizen Portal, vote.virginia.gov. or call Taylor’s office at (276) 694-7206.
