by Shawn Nowlin
Voters throughout the Roanoke Valley will play a decisive role in determining the state’s next Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, members in the House of Delegates and local elected officials on Nov. 4.
From public safety to education, who people put in office directly impacts the day-to-day lives of all of us.
Vying to be the state’s chief executive are Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. A recent Roanoke College survey found Spanberger with a five-point lead over her opponent.
Democrats Ghazala Hashmi and Jay Jones are running for the Lt. Gov. and Attorney General positions, respectively, over GOP members John Reid and incumbent Jason Miyares.
According to the Va. Dept. of Elections, nearly 35 percent of eligible Virginians did not vote in the 2024 General Election. For that to change, more people need to be informed about how the process works.
On Sept. 6, the Roanoke branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) hosted its annual drive-thru registration event on Melrose Avenue in front of Mt. Zion AME Church.
Now in its fifth year, members of the youth council also sold baked goods to help raise money for the organization. No registration or cost was required.
When asked why she is so passionate about the annual gathering, Roanoke NAACP President Brenda Hale said, “It’s all about helping as many people as possible exercise their right to vote in upcoming elections.”
She added, “We are committed to the mission, and educating people. I still have fond memories from the first time that I was old enough to exercise my right to vote.”
Providing the community with a safe and convenient opportunity is very important to Hale. Two questions in particular were asked the most last Saturday – “How do I register to vote?“ and “When is the deadline to early vote?”
Among those present to answer questions were Roanoke City Deputy Clerk Lorena Wilson and Sonya Preston, a business education teacher.
“Registering people to vote goes far beyond just a one-day effort. When people have objective information, they are more likely to make an informed decision,” Preston said before Wilson added, “November’s results will determine the direction that we take as a state for years to come.”
Through Oct. 24, people can have a ballot mailed to them. The last day to early vote in person is Nov. 11. Additional information can be found at https://www.elections.virginia.gov.
