ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. – Tuesday is the primary election. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The three big races 10 News is tracking are for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.
There are additional races depending on where you live. For a closer look at statewide and local candidates, click here.
There are a long list of names on the ballot, make sure to do your research before casting a vote.
Rockbridge County general registrar and director of elections, Sheila Hall said there have been a few changes in election laws in the last year. For example, Virginia’s voter ID law was repealed last year, so people casting a ballot can sign an ID confirmation statement instead of providing ID.
Another change many have already taken advantage of: early voting. Hall said more than 350 people voted early.
Hall credits the rise in numbers to how easy it was to vote ahead of time, especially when people would stumble upon the precinct while running errands.
“Since you don’t have to have an excuse you just walk in. It’s been very convenient for people and hopefully, they’ll utilize it for the future because it is convenient, coming in doing something else and our precinct is here at the office,” said Hall.
Although masks aren’t required at the polls, Hall said there isn’t a way for them to regulate, poll workers still have safety precautions in place.
“We are still wiping down, still keep your distance. We’ll have PPE supplies there for you if you choose to wear them, our officers are still going to be protected behind the sneeze guards,” said Hall.
The county sent out 213 absentee ballots and 153 were returned as of Monday, June 7 at 9 a.m.
Don’t forget, if you have an absentee ballot, you can return it to your registrar’s office or precinct by 7 p.m. If it’s mailed it has to be postmarked by Tuesday, June 8.
For additional information on voting in Virginia, click here.