We Vote VA (2025)

23/09/2024

Meet the Candidates Running for President and Vice President 🇺🇸

In this series, we’re introducing all the candidates running for President and Vice President. We'll be sharing their photos, names, campaign websites, and, most importantly, their platforms and key issues straight from each campaign's websites.

We’ll provide deep dives into the other seats up for election this year in Virginia, including U.S. Senate and House races, so stay tuned! We’re also excited to share that this series will be translated into Spanish one day after the original post. So be sure to check back in tomorrow for the translated version 🎉

➡️ Before we jump into today’s post, we want to note that these posts serve as a starting point for you to explore and find the candidate who aligns with your values and vision for the future of your community. Today's platform information is a direct summary of each candidate's campaign website, but it's not exhaustive. For more in-depth details on their policies and plans, we highly recommend visiting the candidates' official websites to dive deeper into their platforms.

Do your own research and make informed decisions! Remember, voting isn’t just about picking a candidate; it’s about choosing a vision for our future. 🗳️🌟

📚How Can You Research Your Ballot?
1. Start with trusted sources like the candidate’s official website, Ballotpedia, or Vote411.
2. Compare their platforms: What issues do they prioritize? Where do they stand on issues you care about?
3. Talk to your community: Engaging with friends and family can help you gain multiple perspectives.
4. Follow up on debates or interviews: Watch how candidates handle questions on the spot and gauge their authenticity.
5. Check your local elections office for any sample ballots or additional resources specific to your area.

Even though We Vote VA focuses on Virginia, this series applies nationwide! 📍 Share this with friends and family across the U.S., and let’s get people thinking about their future leaders. 🇺🇸

Follow us to stay informed and share with your friends and family! 😊

20/09/2024

🗳️ 1st Day of Early Voting in Virginia 🗳️

It’s officially time to cast your ballot!! Starting today, Friday, September 20, 2024, you can vote at your Local Registrar's Office early in person.

🌟 What's On the Ballot This Year?:
- President & Vice President: 6 candidates are on the ballot for each race
- U.S. Senate: Republican - Hung Cao vs. Democrat - Tim Kaine
- U.S. House: Check your district’s candidates! We’ll provide Candidate Breakdowns on each congressional district, so stay tuned for yours.
- Local Offices: These will vary by locality! Make sure to visit your county's website for more information.
- Plus, a state constitutional amendment on a tax exemption for veterans and military spouses.

🔍 Need to see your sample ballot? Check out Ballotpedia or Vote411 for more info. Find your Local Registrar's Office and more at 👉[ bit.ly/VAvotesearly ] and all other links will be available in the link in our bio.

🚨 Important Reminder: Before heading to the polls, double-check your voter registration! Make sure you're registered at [ bit.ly/va-register ] or visit your local registrar’s office.

🆔 What to Bring:
Virginia allows different forms of ID, including:
✔️ Virginia driver’s license
✔️ U.S. military ID or passport
✔️ Tribal ID or voter registration card
✔️ Utility bills, paystubs, or bank statements with your name & address
✔️ Local, state, or federal government documents with your name & address

We have so much more to come, so feel free to give us a follow and share with your family and friends to stay informed about this year's election 🎉

Let’s make this election count, Virginia! Vote Early Today🗳️

16/09/2024

📢 Calling All Virginia Voters! It’s Time to Get Out and VOTE! 🗳️

Are you ready for the 2024 Elections? The countdown is ON, and early voting in Virginia starts THIS FRIDAY, SEP 20! 🗓️🔥 Whether it’s your first time or you’re a voting pro, we have everything you need to make your voting plan easy!

In today's post, we’re sharing all the most important dates you need to know, so mark your calendar and share this with your friends, family, neighbors—EVERYONE! 💥

Here’s what else is coming soon:
🌟Meet the Candidates – Stay tuned for deep dives on the candidates and their policies for the Virginia General Election AND the Presidential Election.
🌟College Voter Info – We’ll show you how to vote from campus so your voice is heard.
🌟Active Duty and Travelers – We’ll share all the info you need to vote from wherever you are! 🌍

Get ready to VOTE starting THIS FRIDAY and stay tuned for all the updates. You’ve got this, Virginia! 🙌🇺🇸

18/06/2024

📢 Virginia Primary Election Guide: Seats Up for Election 📢

Polls are open today, June 18, 2024, from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. !!!

Here's what you need to know before heading to the polls:

Virginia doesn’t require party registration, so you can choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot, but not both. Bring your ID—acceptable forms include utility bills, student IDs, licenses, tribal IDs, or other government documents with your name and address. If you haven’t registered yet, you can register and vote provisionally today.

Seats up for election include the U.S. Senate and several congressional districts. Incumbent Senator Tim Kaine is running unopposed on the Democratic side. The Republican candidates are Hung Cao, Eddie Garcia, Jonathan Emord, Chuck Smith, and Scott Thomas Parkinson.

For the U.S. House of Representatives, these districts have primary elections:

1st District: Republican and Democrat
2nd District: Republican and Democrat
5th District: Republican and Democrat
7th District: Republican and Democrat
10th District: Republican and Democrat
11th District: Republican and Democrat

Plus, there are many local races on the ballot, so be sure to research those candidates as well. Check out our "Meet the Candidates" series on Instagram for detailed info on the U.S. Senate and Congressional candidates, their platforms, and priorities. Research all your candidates by visiting their websites, reviewing their platforms, and using reliable sources like Ballotpedia.

Get out and vote, Virginia! Tag us in your voting pictures for a chance to win stickers and exclusive merch 🗳️

17/06/2024

📢 Meet the Candidates for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District 📢

We've reached the final installment of our "Meet the Candidates" series, and today we’re focusing on the candidates running in the primary election for the 11th Congressional District! 🌟

Before we jump in, tomorrow Tuesday, June 18th, is the primary election in Virginia 🎉 It’s super important to research your candidates and turn out to vote tomorrow. So be sure to read previous posts to meet the candidates running in your district.

As a Reminder: The U.S. House of Representatives plays a crucial role in our government, crafting laws and representing the people. Each member represents a congressional district and serves a two-year term, focusing on issues from local concerns to national policies.

🌟 Key Roles of the U.S. House of Representatives include:

-- Legislation: Drafting, debating, and voting on laws.
-- Budget and Appropriations: Initiating and approving federal spending and budget proposals.
-- Oversight: Investigating and overseeing federal agencies and programs.
-- Impeachment: Initiating impeachment proceedings against federal officials.

Now, let’s dive into the candidates for the 11th Congressional District primary:

Democratic Primary Candidates:
🔵 Gerry Connolly (Incumbent)
🔵 Ahsan Nasar

Republican Candidate: (no primary held)
🔴 Michael Van Meter

Swipe through our infographics to see photos, names, and detailed platform priorities for each candidate. We encourage you to continue doing your own research on the candidates to make the best decision for you and your community 🗳️

P.S. 🔔 Don’t miss out on any updates! Follow us, like this post, and share it to keep your community informed.

Sources: elections.virginia.gov // ballotpedia.org

08/06/2024

📢 Meet the Candidates for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District 📢

We're back with our "Meet the Candidates" series, and today we’re highlighting the candidates running in the primary election for the 10th Congressional District 🌟 This one is a big one so hang on!

We're skipping ahead from the 7th to the 10th district because the 8th and 9th districts are not hosting primaries. This is due to the fact that, in districts where only one candidate filed for their party, that candidate is declared the nominee. No primary election will be held in those districts but they will be on the ballot for the general election in November.

As a Reminder: The U.S. House of Representatives is responsible for crafting laws and overseeing federal agencies. Each member represents a congressional district and serves a two-year term, focusing on issues ranging from healthcare and education to infrastructure and national security.

🌟 Key Roles of the U.S. House of Representatives include:
- Legislation: Drafting, debating, and voting on laws.
- Budget and Appropriations: Initiating and approving federal spending and budget proposals.
- Oversight: Investigating and overseeing federal agencies and programs.
- Impeachment: Initiating impeachment proceedings against federal officials.

Now, let’s dive into the candidates for the 10th Congressional District primary:

Republican Primary Candidates:
🔴Manga Anantatmula
🔴Aliscia Andrews
🔴Mike Clancy
🔴Alex Isaac

Democratic Primary Candidates:
🔵Jennifer Boysko
🔵Marion Devoe
🔵Eileen Filler-Corn
🔵Dan Helmer
🔵Krystle Veda Kaul
🔵Mark Leighton
🔵Michelle Maldonado
🔵Travis Nembhard
🔵Adrian Pokharel
🔵Atif Qarni
🔵David Reid
🔵Suhas Subramanyam

Swipe through our infographics to see photos, names, and detailed platform priorities for each candidate. We encourage you to continue doing your own research on the candidates to make the best decision for you 🗳️

P.S. 🔔 Don’t miss out on any updates! Follow us, like this post, and share it to keep your community informed.

05/06/2024

📢 Meet the Candidates for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District 📢

Welcome back to our "Meet the Candidates" series! Today, we're spotlighting the candidates running in the primary election for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, covering areas from King George County, Spotsylvania County, Albemarle County, Madison County, Fredericksburg City, Prince William County, and more!

First, a quick note on why we skipped the 6th district: In districts where only one candidate filed for their party, that candidate is declared the nominee, meaning no primary election is held in those districts. This is the case for the 6th district. But don’t worry, these districts will still have other seats up for election, so stay informed on all fronts.

Now, let’s dive into the 7th Congressional District candidates. This primary election is packed with contenders from both parties!

Democratic Primary Candidates:
🔵Andrea Bailey
🔵Carl Bedell
🔵Margaret Franklin
🔵Elizabeth Guzman
🔵Clifford Heinzer
🔵Briana Sewell
🔵Eugene Vindman

Republican Primary Candidates:
🔴Derrick Anderson
🔴Cameron Hamilton
🔴Maria Martin
🔴Jonathon Myers
🔴John Prabhudoss
🔴Terris Todd

The U.S. House of Representatives is vital in crafting laws and representing the people's interests. With 435 Representatives serving two-year terms, each member works on a wide range of issues of local and national importance.

🌟 Key Roles of the U.S. House of Representatives include:
- Legislation: Drafting, debating, and voting on laws.
- Budget and Appropriations: Initiating and approving federal spending and budget proposals.
- Oversight: Investigating and overseeing federal agencies and programs.
- Impeachment: Initiating impeachment proceedings against federal officials.

Swipe through to see photos, names, and platform priorities for each candidate. We encourage you to research these candidates further and make the best decision for you 🗳️

🔔 Follow us, like, & share this post with your friends and family to stay informed!

Sources: elections.virginia.gov // ballotpedia.org

03/06/2024

📢 Meet the Candidates for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District 📢

Attention residents of the 5th District! Today we’re highlighting the candidates running in the upcoming primary election for your district. But first, you might notice we’ve jumped from the 2nd to the 5th district in our "Meet the Candidates" series. Here's why:

In districts where only one candidate filed for their party, that candidate is declared the nominee, meaning no primary election will be held in those districts. This is the case for both parties in the 3rd and 4th districts. However, these districts will still have other seats up for election, such as local offices, which you should also be researching and can vote for.

Now, let’s dive into the candidates for the 5th Congressional District:

Republican Primary Candidates:
🔴 Bob Good (Incumbent)
🔴 John McGuire

Democratic Primary Candidates:
🔵Gary L. Terry
🔵Gloria Tinsley Witt
🔵Raul A. Riley

As a reminder, the U.S. House of Representatives is vital in crafting laws and representing the people's interests. With 435 Representatives serving two-year terms, each member works on a wide range of issues of local and national importance.

🌟 Key Roles of the U.S. House of Representatives include:
- Legislation: Drafting, debating, and voting on laws.
- Budget and Appropriations: Initiating and approving federal spending and budget proposals.
- Oversight: Investigating and overseeing federal agencies and programs.
- Impeachment: Initiating impeachment proceedings against federal officials.

Each Representative’s impact is felt through committee assignments and legislative advocacy, influencing healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic policy.

Swipe to see photos, names, and priorities for each candidate. We encourage you to continue doing your own research on the candidates and make the best decision for you and your community 🗳️

🔔 Follow us and stay tuned as we'll break down more races!

Sources for today's post: elections.virginia.gov // ballotpedia.org

01/06/2024

📢 Meet the Candidates for Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District 📢

Attention Virginia Beach City residents and all those in the 2nd District! Today we’re breaking down - in detail - the upcoming primary election candidates and more on the race for the 2nd Congressional District 2️⃣

As a reminder – The U.S. House of Representatives, the other chamber of Congress, is responsible for crafting laws and representing the interests of the people. With 435 Representatives serving two-year terms, each member represents a congressional district, working on a wide range of issues from local to national importance.

🌟 Key Roles of the U.S. House of Representatives include:
Legislation: Drafting, debating, and voting on laws.
Budget and Appropriations: Initiating and approving federal spending and budget proposals.
Oversight: Investigating and overseeing federal agencies and programs.
Impeachment: Initiating impeachment proceedings against federal officials.

Each Representative plays a crucial role through committee assignments and legislative advocacy, influencing areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic policy.

Democratic Primary Candidates include:
🔵Missy Cotter Smasal
🔵Jake Denton

Independent Primary Candidate:
🟢Robert Reid

Republican Candidate:
🔴Jen Kiggans (Incumbent) **

**Important Note: In districts where only one candidate filed for their party, that candidate is declared the nominee for the respective party. In such cases, no primary election will be held in that district. Therefore, the nominee’s name will not appear on the primary ballot but will appear as the party's candidate in the general election.

Swipe through to see photos, names, and platform priorities for each candidate. We encourage you to continue doing your own research on the candidates and making the best decision for you and your community 🗳️

Stay tuned—we'll be breaking down more races tomorrow!

P.S. 🔔Don’t miss out on any updates! Follow us, like this post, and share it with friends and family.

Sources for today's post: elections.virginia.gov // ballotpedia.org

31/05/2024

📢 Meet the Candidates for Virginia’s 1st Congressional District 📢

As we prepare for the primary election on June 18, we'll post one of Virginia's 11 congressional districts each day starting today to break down the district, so stay tuned to see your district and the candidates running!

Today, we're covering the race for the 1st Congressional District 1️⃣

The U.S. House of Representatives, the other chamber of Congress, is responsible for crafting laws and representing the interests of the people. With 435 Representatives serving two-year terms, each member represents a congressional district, working on a wide range of issues.

🌟 Key Roles of the U.S. House of Representatives include:
- Legislation: Drafting, debating, and voting on laws.
- Budget and Appropriations: Initiating and approving federal spending and budget proposals.
- Oversight: Investigating and overseeing federal agencies and programs.

Democratic Primary Candidates for the 1st District include:
🔵Herb Jones
🔵Leslie Mehta

Republican Candidate for the 1st District:
🔴Robert “Rob” Wittman (Incumbent)

Important Note: In districts where only one candidate is filed, that candidate is declared the nominee for the respective party. In such cases, no primary election will be held in that district. Therefore, the nominee’s name will not appear on the primary ballot but will appear as the party's candidate in the general election.

In this instance, since Rob Wittman is the only Republican candidate, he automatically declared the nominee for his party and will appear on the ballot during the general election. On the Democratic ballot, you will see both candidates listed above and you can select one.

Swipe through our infographics to see the photos, names, and platform priorities of each candidate. We also encourage you to continue doing your own research on the candidates and making the best decision for you and your community 🗳️

P.S. 🔔 Don’t miss out on any updates! Follow, like this post, and share it to keep your community informed. We'll be back tomorrow with another post!

Sources: www.elections.virginia.gov // ballotpedia.org

27/05/2024

🚨 Important Reminder! 🚨

Tuesday, May 28, is the last day to register to vote or update your existing registration for the upcoming elections! 🗳️ Visit the link below to access the Virginia Election Portal and get registered today!

👉 bit.ly/va-register (link also in our bio)

But wait, there's more 🌟 Virginia also offers same-day voter registration! If you miss today’s deadline, you can still register and vote a provisional ballot at your polling location on Election Day and during in-person voting in the Early Voting Period.

Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Register and Vote Provisional: Head to your polling place, register to vote, and cast a provisional ballot.
2️⃣ Verification: Your local registrar will review your registration details to confirm your eligibility.
3️⃣ Counted as a Regular Ballot: Once verified, your provisional ballot will be counted just like any other regular ballot.

As we honor Memorial Day and remember those who have served our country, let’s also exercise our civic duty and make our voices heard. Don’t let anything stand in the way of your right to vote! Get registered today or take advantage of same-day registration. Your vote is your voice—make it count 🇺🇸

22/05/2024

📢Meet the Candidates for U.S. Senate of Virginia📢

Get ready for the Virginia Primary Election happening on June 18, 2024! Today’s in-depth guide will help you navigate the U.S. Senate race.

💡Background: The U.S. Senate, one of the two chambers of Congress, is responsible for crafting laws that shape our nation. With 100 Senators representing all 50 states, they serve six-year terms with elections staggered every two years.

⚖️ Key Roles of the U.S. Senate include:
- Legislation: Drafting, debating, and voting on laws.
- Advice and Consent: Approving presidential appointments like Cabinet members and federal judges.
- Treaty Ratification: Ratifying international treaties with a two-thirds vote.
- Impeachment Trials: Conducting trials to decide whether to convict and remove impeached officials.
- Budget and Appropriations: Passing the federal budget and determining government spending.

Each Senator plays a vital role through committee assignments and legislative advocacy, influencing everything from healthcare and education to national security and the economy.

In this race, Senator Tim Kaine is running for re-election and is uncontested on the Democratic ballot, meaning he won't face a primary challenger.

On the Republican side, it's a different story! Five candidates are vying for the chance to challenge Kaine in the general election. The candidates include:
🔴Hung Cao
🔴Eddie Garcia
🔴Jonathan Emord
🔴Chuck Smith
🔴Scott Thomas Parkinson

Swipe through our infographics to see photos, names, and detailed platform priorities for each candidate. We encourage you to continue doing your own research on the candidates and making the best decision for you and your community 🗳️

Stay tuned—we'll be breaking down the House of Representatives and other local races soon. 🔔 Don’t miss out on any updates! Follow us, like this post, and share it to keep your community informed.

03/05/2024

🗳️✨ Fantastic news, Virginia! Today marks the beginning of Early Voting for the upcoming primary election!

In this Primary Election, Virginians will be deciding nominees for crucial positions, including the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and various local races across our state. Here's some information on this year’s primary ⤵️

VOTING EARLY: Early voting is held at your local registrar's office or a satellite voting location in your county or city, and the dates and times for early voting may vary by locality. You can look up the location, the website, and regular business hours of your local registrar's office on the Department of Elections website (link also in our bio). You may also want to check your local voter registrar's website for specific early voting dates and times — there are usually several weekend days on which they open specifically for early voting.

ON THE BALLOT: Senator Tim Kaine runs unopposed for the Democratic nomination, while five Republicans compete to challenge him for the U.S. Senate seat. Six of Virginia's House districts have contests. Notable races include the 1st and 2nd Districts where Democrats seek to unseat incumbent Republicans, and the 5th District, where the incumbent Bob Good faces a primary challenge. The 7th and 10th Districts are open seats with competitive primary fields. Additionally, Rep. Gerry Connolly faces a primary challenge in the 11th District.

There's lots more to come so mark your calendars, review the essential dates in the infographic, and let your voice be heard this election! Together, we can shape a brighter tomorrow for Virginia.

05/03/2024

🗳️ Virginia voters, today's the day—the Presidential Primary is here! Whether you're a seasoned voter or a first-timer, there's a wealth of information to make your voting experience smooth and hassle-free. Here's what you need to know:

First off, did you know that if you haven't registered to vote yet, you can still complete same-day voter registration? Just head to the polling place for the precinct where you live. Not sure where that is? Don't worry! You can easily find your precinct and polling place by entering your address into the polling place lookup tool on the Virginia Department of Election website or by calling the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776, TTY 711. (link can be found in our bio)

✉️ Remember, by state law, voters who register on the same day must vote a provisional ballot, and your county’s Electoral Board will determine which provisional ballots are counted. And speaking of voting, don't forget your identification! While a photo ID is no longer required, you'll still need to show an acceptable form of identification such as a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student ID issued by your college or university, tribal enrollment or other tribal ID (valid), or any other government document with your name and address. Photo IDs, including an expired Virginia driver’s license, remain acceptable forms of identification.

✍️ When you arrive at the polls, election officers will be there to guide you through the process:
1) Check-in: Simply state or write your name and address and show your acceptable ID.
2) Receive and check your ballot: Make sure it includes all contests for your district.
3) Cast your ballot: Mark your choices, scan your ballot, and wait to see the American flag—it's your signal that you've voted!

And here's an important reminder: if you're in line by 7:00 pm when the polls close, stay in line—you can still vote! Your voice matters, Virginia, so let's make it count today. Head to the polls, cast your ballot, and let's shape the future together! 🇺🇸💬

23/02/2024

🗳️ Virginia Voters, TODAY is the deadline to request your absentee ballot for the Presidential Primary Election

Whether you're a busy professional, a student away at college, or serving in the military, voting absentee is a convenient option. Request your ballot before the 5pm deadline ⏰ today and make sure your vote counts!

13/02/2024

🗳️ Hey, Virginia voters! Let's talk about Super Tuesday, happening on March 5, 2024.

It's not just any ordinary Election Day—it's a dual presidential primary day! Both the Democratic and Republican parties are holding their primaries simultaneously. What does that mean for you? Well, it means you get to choose which party's primary you want to participate in. And here's the best part: you don't have to be registered with a specific party to cast your vote. Virginia doesn't have party registration, so every eligible voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard.

But here's the thing: with great power comes great responsibility. And part of that responsibility is making sure you're informed and ready to vote. That's why we're reminding you about important dates leading up to Super Tuesday. 🗓Friday, February 23, by 5 pm, is the last day to request a ballot to be mailed to you. Then, starting Saturday, February 24, voter registration offices open for early voting. You'll have until Saturday, March 2, by 5 pm, to vote early in person. Finally, on Tuesday, March 5, Election Day polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Make sure to mark your calendars and plan your vote! ✍️

But wait, there's more! We're not just here to give you information; we're here to build a community around civic engagement. Share this post with your friends and family to spread the word about the upcoming primaries. And don't forget to follow us for more updates on the June Primary and the Presidential Election in November. Together, let's make Virginia's voice heard! 🇺🇸💪

07/02/2024

🇺🇸 The President plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our nation. From influencing policies to representing our values on the global stage, their decisions impact us all. Get to know the candidates vying for this crucial role:

Republicans:
- Nikki Haley
- Donald Trump

Democrats:
- Joe Biden (incumbent)
- Dean Phillips
- Marianne Williamson

Third-Party:
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Jill Stein
- Cornel West

Share and stay informed, Virginia! We'll continue sharing election information as the elections get closer.

We Vote VA