Virginia voters will make their picks Tuesday in several competitive congressional races that could help determine control of the U.S. House – and one hotly-contested race is here in Hampton Roads.
Voters will also cast ballots in a U.S. Senate contest between Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine and Republican challenger Corey Stewart.
Polls will be open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each voter will need to bring a photo ID. Valid forms of identification include a driver’s license, passport or student ID. A voter who forgets ID can cast a provisional ballot but will have to complete follow-up steps to ensure that it’s counted.
Anyone not already registered won’t be able to vote. Virginia doesn’t allow same-day registration.
Here’s a look at key national races in the area:
Senate
The only statewide contest this year is between Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Republican Corey Stewart, a firebrand supporter of President Donald Trump.
Kaine is the heavy favorite to win. He’s had large leads in most polls and has enjoyed a massive cash advantage to finance advertising and get out the vote efforts.
Stewart has been all but abandoned by national Republicans and the White House. Best known for his outspoken support of Confederate monuments and hardline views on immigration, Stewart has focused heavily on attacking Kaine personally.
Kaine, who was Hillary Clinton’s running mate during her unsuccessful 2016 presidential run, has emphasized inclusivity in his campaign and centered his message on a “Virginia that works for all.”
House District 2
This Hampton Roads-area seat is another swing district with a vulnerable Republican. GOP U.S. Rep. Scott Taylor is seeking a second term in a district Gov. Ralph Northam won by four percentage points. The former Navy SEAL is running against Democrat Elaine Luria, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who spent 20 years on active duty.
The race was marked by a ballot-fraud scandal that tainted Taylor’s campaign. Some of Taylor’s staff members were accused of forging voters’ signatures to help place a third-party “spoiler candidate” on the ballot.
