Eye on Loudoun: Why Vote Local & State Elections?
Blog series by Government Relations Manager, Eric C. Johnson
We are less than a month away from the next Election Day in Virginia! On Tuesday, November 7th, Virginia will once again head to the polls to select our next governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general. At the local level, all seven of the members of the Virginia House of Delegates representing Loudoun are up for re-election, and all of them face challengers.
I thought about writing a bit on how this election is so important – but the truth is, they are all important. And you have heard it before. If you are a member of this Chamber, I already know that the future of your business or organization is important to you. You are invested in the future of Loudoun County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. So I hope that I don’t have to convince you to get out and vote in this election, and every election. Instead, I would rather help you prepare for when you are handed your ballot.
When you arrive at the polls on Election Day, you will have to decide from among three choices for your next governor: Ralph S. Northam (D), Edward W. “Ed” Gillespie (R), and Clifford D. Hyra (I). Of course, as always, you could just choose to write in someone else entirely. For lieutenant governor, your choices are between Justin E. Fairfax (D) and Jill H Vogel (R). And for attorney general, your choices are between Mark R. Herring(D) and John D. Adams(R). (Upcoming Event: Friday, October 20th Attorney General Debate, Register Here) You will also be able to select a candidate for the House of Delegates, and if you reside in a town, there are a few town council races to be decided.
Last, but not least – there is a public safety project on the ballot to approve $15,660,000 worth of bonds to cover a new Round Hill Fire Station and a bond question for school upgrades across the school system to the tune of $81,761,000. So be ready for those two items.
As always, polls open at 6:00 am and close at 7:00 pm on November 7th. If you feel that you won’t be able to vote in person on Election Day, you can always vote absentee. The last day to request a ballot by mail is Tuesday, October 31st and the last day to vote an absentee ballot in person is Saturday, November 4th.
Please be sure to vote – it matters for the future of Loudoun County, and our great Commonwealth!