Democratic candidate, Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam, sports an “I Voted” sticker during a canvas kickoff. (Credit: AP Photo / Steve Helber)
For the first time in the same year the major parties in Virginia are using a primary to pick their nominees for governor. The Democratic primary between Ralph Northam and Tom Perriello has been hotly contested, while Republicans Corey Stewart and Frank Wagner are hoping to upset front-runner Ed Gillespie. Despite the race being touted as an early indicator of President Donald Trump’s success, election watchers are still expecting a low turnout.
Democrats are closely divided between Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam and former Congressman Tom Perriello. Supporters for both campaigns are stationed at voting precincts across the state hoping to influence undecided voters.
As Michael Pope reports, some Democratic voters were still undecided at the polls.
While two Democrats have been locked in a heated battle, the Republican race has been a bit sleepier. Mallory Noe-Payne reports that state Republicans aren’t worried about a low turnout in the primary.
The low turnout numbers were expected across Virginia’s 2,500 precincts. Joe Staniunas talked to some voters in western Virginia.
Virginia Public Radio 