Campaigns often close with a series of appearances from celebrities, like musician Dave Matthews appearing with voting rights activist Stacey Abrams and Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison.
Toni Morrison's book "Beloved" may have won the Pulitzer Prize. But some parents don't want it taught in public schools, prompting a bill back in 2016 that would have allowed parents to block their children from reading sexually explicit books. Governor Terry McAuliffe vetoed that bill, and this week that veto became a flashpoint in the debate between the former Democratic governor and Republican Glenn Youngkin.
Early voting begins for Virginia June primary Voting booth (Source: Oasis) By Sam Fowler | Capital News Service | April 23, 2021 at 6:44 PM EDT - Updated April 23 at 7:33 PM
RICHMOND, Va. The first day of early voting began Friday for the June 8 Virginia primary election.
Voters will be able to choose candidates in advance of the November state election, including for the governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general races. Republican and Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates are also on the ballot.
Legislators recently changed laws to allow early, in-person and no-excuse absentee voting. A record number of absentee and early votes were cast during the last presidential election, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. Turnout was at its highest since 199, 2.
Jahd Khalil reports
McAuliffe raised $4.1 million between January and March. The next closest candidate was former delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, who raised $1.8 million.
Public Policy Polling recently interviewed 526 likely Democratic primary voters, 42% said they would vote for McAuliffe if the primary was held when they were interviewed.
The financial disclosures give an imperfect insight into who might emerge as a viable challenger to McAuliffe.
“Campaign finance is one of those ways that we measure popularity within the electorate,” said Dr Jatia Wrighten, a political science professor at Virginia Commonwealth University.
State Senator Jennifer McClellan and Carroll Foy trail McAuliffe with 8% support each in the last poll. McClellan raised just over $635,000 for the same period. If either is elected they would be the first Black woman to be a governor in the US. But Wrighten said they occupy different roles in the Democratic Party.