It’s Election Day and if you’re headed to the polls — polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. – here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know.
Eligible Virginia voters need to bring a valid and acceptable photo ID. Those with no ID will be required to vote a provisional ballot and will have until noon on the Friday following the election to deliver a copy of identification to their locality’s electoral board for their provisional ballot to be counted.
Here’s a list:
- Valid Virginia Driver’s License or Identification Card
- Valid Virginia DMV issued Veteran’s ID card
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Other government-issued photo identification cards (must be issued by the U.S. government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state)
- Tribal enrollment or other tribal ID issued by one of 11 tribes recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Valid college or university student photo identification card (must be from an institution of higher education located in Virginia)
- Valid student ID issued by a public school or private school in Virginia displaying a photo
- Employee identification card containing a photograph of the voter and issued by an employer of the voter in the ordinary course of the employer’s business
Here’s a link to find your polling place.
Here’s a link of candidates on the ballot.
The stakes
Virginia’s 2017 elections provided an early indication of a blue wave that swept through the 2018 U.S. midterms. This year’s legislative elections are being closely watched for clues about how the 2020 presidential cycle will play out.
Democrats are hoping big wins will send a message about President Donald Trump’s unpopularity. Republicans are hoping the specter of Trump’s impeachment will motivate the GOP base to turn out in large numbers.
Once a key swing state, Virginia has been trending blue for years thanks to the growth of its more diverse and liberal suburban and urban areas. A Democratic takeover Tuesday could help cement that trend as the next legislature will decide who controls the redistricting process.
On the policy front, Democratic control could mean rapid movement during next year’s legislative session on several issues Republicans have blocked in the past. That includes stricter gun laws, a higher minimum wage and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, making Virginia the final state needed for possible passage of the gender equality measure.
Republicans have warned of higher taxes and virtually no restrictions on third-trimester abortions if they lose the majority.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
