Last week of early voting underway in Virginia, a breakdown of the numbers
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Election Day is right around the corner, which means time is running out for folks to cast their ballots, ahead of November 7.
This is the final week for early voting in Virginia. So far, thousands have headed to the ballot box already. Here's a look at the early voter turnout in our area as of Oct. 29 according to the Virginia Public Access Project:
- Lynchburg: 2,078
- Bedford: 2,510
- Campbell: 1,926
It's difficult to compare those numbers to previous election years because the no-excuse, 45-day early voting law didn't take effect until April 2020, signed by former Governor Ralph Northam.
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However, the early voting totals for the 2021 general election are as follows:
- Lynchburg: 5,140
- Bedford: 8,639
- Campbell: 4,870
Dr. David Richards, Chair of the Political Science Department at the University of Lynchburg, said early voting can make or break key races across the Commonwealth.
"Usually, that voting has helped the democratic candidate have an edge. In past elections, a lack of early voting by Republicans has kind of hurt them," Dr. Richards said.
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Dr. Richards said that's one reason why Governor Glenn Youngkin and the GOP are pushing a big "Get out to Vote" campaign this election season since there are some highly contested races that could impact the balance of power in our state legislature.
Early voting ends on Saturday, November 4. If you don't make it out to vote that day, you will have to wait until Election Day, November 7, to cast your ballot.