Election Day is off to a smooth start in Arlington, with about 8% voter turnout as of 9 a.m. following strong in-person early voting.
About 32,000 Arlington voters cast early in-person ballots this year, compared to 27,800 during the last gubernatorial election. However, mail-in ballots are down compared to 2021, a pandemic year: around 9,800 were cast this year compared to 14,800 in 2021.
Across the commonwealth, early voting numbers suggest a strong turnout this year. Virginia voters cast about 1.4 million early ballots, compared to 1.2 million in 2021, according to data from the Virginia Public Access Project.
Polling places are open until 7 p.m. this evening.
“It’s been very smooth so far. It’s a beautiful day to vote,” said Tania Griffin, communications and outreach coordinator for Arlington’s department of elections.
That office is scheduled to post its next turnout update on social media at 1:30 p.m., followed by another at 5 p.m.
On the ballot this year in Arlington are two local races: County Board and School Board.
For County Board, current Chair Takis Karantonis (D) faces challengers Bob Cambridge (R), Audrey Clement, Jeramy Olmack and Carlos “DC” De Castro Pretelt.
For School Board, Monique “Moe” Bryant, James “Vell” Rives IV and Major Mike Webb are vying for one open seat.
At the state level, Winsome Earle-Sears (R) and Abigail Spanberger (D) are running for the governor’s seat, while Jay Jones (D) and incumbent Jason Miyares (R) are competing to become attorney general and Ghazala Hashmi (D) and John Reid (R) are each seeking to become lieutenant governor.
Three House of Delegates seats are also on ballots in Arlington, although Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-3) is running unopposed. In the 1st District, incumbent Patrick Hope (D) is running against William “Bill” Moher III (R), and in the 2nd District, incumbent Adele McClure (D) faces off against Wendy Sigley (R).
