The Nov. 7 election is critical for Virginia

Sign at Mason Government Center.

In less than a week, Virginians will elect a new governor, other statewide officials, and members of the General Assembly. There’s a school bond on the ballot, too.

It’s a critical election in which the Democrats are hoping to retain control of the three top statewide offices, while a slate of Republicans aligned with the Trump agenda are trying to unseat them.

Election Day

The polls will be open 6 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

If you don’t know where to vote, find your polling place here. You must bring an acceptable photo ID.  If you don’t bring one, you’ll have to submit a provisional ballot.

Voting in advance

The final day for in-person absentee voting is Nov. 4

Absentee in-person voting can be done at the Mason Government Center (and other satellite locations) 3:30-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4.

There are 19 valid reasons for voting absentee – including working outside the county on Election Day.

If you received an absentee ballot by mail, it must be returned by 7 p.m. on Nov. 7. All absentee ballots will be counted on Nov. 7.

Statewide candidates

For governor, it’s Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam vs. Republican lobbyist Ed Gillespie.

Northam is a pediatric neurologist and Army veteran who has a strong record on women’s access to healthcare, supports tougher restrictions on assault weapons, and has a proven ability to work with both parties.

Gillespie is a Republican operative who has lobbied for many large corporations and is running negative and inflammatory attack ads in an attempt to appeal to the most extreme elements of the far right. At a recent fundraiser, he called Northern Virginia “enemy territory.”  [We’re not trying to be objective about this.]

In the race for lieutenant governor, the Democratic candidate is Justin Fairfax, a former federal prosecutor and resident of Annandale. He supports expanding Medicaid in Virginia, raising the minimum wage, and sensible gun laws.

His Republican opponent is Jill Holtzman Vogel, who represents Fauquier County in the state senate. Vogel is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and is best known for sponsoring a failed bill that would have required woman seeking abortions to undergo invasive mandatory vaginal ultrasound exams.

Attorney General Mark Herring is seeking re-election. A Democrat, Herring has fought to reduce gun violence, protect children against predators, address the opioid epidemic, and promote policies to counter climate change. His opponent, John Adams, a corporate lawyer, is a strong advocate for gun-owner rights, among other Trump priorities, and has resorted to fear tactics and lies in his political ads.

General Assembly

In the 38th District, which encompasses much of Annandale, longtime Democratic incumbent Kaye Kory is opposed by Republican newcomer Paul Haring.

Among other districts that include parts of the Annandale/Mason District area, Del. Vivian Watts (D-39th District) is unopposed; incumbent Marcus Simon (D-53rd District) is opposed by an independent, Mike Casey; and incumbent Alfonso Lopez (D-49th District) is challenged by Adam Roosevelt (R).

School bond

The ballot has a $315 million public school bond referendum for school construction and renovation projects.

The bond would fund these projects in the Annandale/Mason District area:

• Renovations at Annandale Terrace Elementary School – $26.76 million.
• Planning for renovations at Falls Church High School – $6 million.
• Planning for an addition at JEB Stuart High School to address capacity needs – $813,500.
• Planning for renovations at Braddock Elementary School – $1.53 million.
• Planning for renovations at Frost Middle School – $3.6 million.