Voting in Virginia commences with Spanberger securing a wider lead in the initial returns
Early Voting Kicks Off in Virginia as Key Races Heat Up
Early voting has begun in Virginia, with the race for governor and other key positions generating significant interest among voters.
In the governor's race, incumbent Glenn Youngkin's job approval stands at 48%, while 42% disapprove, according to a recent poll. Abigail Spanberger leads Winsome Earle-Sears in the governor's race, with 52% to her 40%. The margin between the two candidates has grown since January. Spanberger is viewed favorably by 43% of voters, unfavorably by 33%, and has 26% undecided. Earle-Sears, on the other hand, has a 34% favorable rating, 37% unfavorable, and 29% undecided.
The attorney general's contest sees former Del. Jay Jones leading incumbent Jason Miyares, with 48% to his 41%. Miyares is viewed more positively at 26% favorable to 18% unfavorable, while Jones is rated 23% favorable to 19% unfavorable.
Cost of living is the top issue for 21% of likely voters in Virginia, followed closely by threats to democracy, which is the second most important issue for 18% of voters. Education, immigration, and crime each draw about 9% of likely voters' attention.
The race for lieutenant governor is also heating up. Sen. Ghazala Hashmi leads John Reid in the contest, with 48% to his 37%. However, both candidates have low favorability ratings, with Hashmi at 15% and Reid at 13%. Most voters are still getting to know the candidates for lieutenant governor, with more than half saying they do not know enough about either candidate.
President Donald Trump's approval rating in Virginia is 39%, with 58% disapproving. The poll surveyed 808 likely voters Sept. 8-14 and has a margin of error of about four points.
Voters express enthusiasm for casting ballots, with 87% saying they are excited to vote. Democrats show higher enthusiasm than Republicans, with 93% of Democrats excited to vote compared to 81% of Republicans. Early in-person voting runs through Nov. 1, and Election Day is Nov. 4.
Earle-Sears has urged voters to turn out early, expressing concerns about Spanberger's potential impact on Virginia. Both governor candidates view early voting as a test of momentum.
Ghazala Hashmi is a Democratic candidate who ran in the U.S. elections in November 2023. Only 8% of voters are undecided in the governor's race, according to the poll.
