Platforms for the Virginia Nov. 2 election candidates

RAJAI WALTON

Staff Writer

On Nov. 2, UMW students will head to the polls to cast their ballots for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, the House of Delegates and some local offices.

Leading the top of the ticket are former Governor Terry McAuliffe of the Democratic Party, businessman Glenn Youngkin of the Republican Party and teacher Princess Blanding of the Liberation Party. Incumbent Governor Ralph Northam is unable to seek re-election due to term limits.

One of McAuliffe’s goals is to create health care for all Virginians. He plans to boost the economy by creating jobs and plans to stop any anti-abortion law that comes through.

Youngkin believes that COVID vaccines should not be mandated and people should be able to make their own decisions. He is anti-abortion except for cases of rape, incest or to save a mother’s life. He also is pro-law enforcement and says he will defend—not defund—the police. 

On Sept. 28, McAuliffe and Youngkin had a second and final debate over vaccinations, tax policy, abortion rights, education and their respective records in Virginia’s high-stakes governor’s race.

McAuliffe declared that he will work just as hard as he did the first time as governor.

“If you remember when I took office I inherited an economy of chaos. I got to work. I got out of bed every single day fighting for you,” said McAuliffe.

Youngkin wanted the audience to know that he brings a different perspective.

“Do you want tired, old recycled policies from a tired politician? Or do you want to embrace someone new, a business leader who knows how to create jobs and get things done?” he said.

Just 10 minutes into the debate, third-party candidate Blanding, who was not invited to participate, interrupted the debate, shouting from the audience about the fact that she was excluded. The television station airing the debate was forced to go on a commercial break.

She told the Associated Press earlier in the day that the Chamber of Commerce had invited her to sit in the audience and meet with the press afterward.

“The way that felt to me was, yes, you can come and get on the bus like everybody else … but you’re going to sit in the back of the bus. I met the requirements just like they did to get on the ballot, however, I’m being blocked,” she said.

Hala Ayala of the Democratic Party and Winsome Sears (Republican) are running in the election for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. 

Ayala believes in universal healthcare for all and abortion. She also promises to take action on climate change.

Sears will aim to raise the wage of state police, cut taxes for families and raise teachers’ pay. 

Incumbent Mark Herring and Jason Miyares are running in the election for Attorney General of Virginia. 

Virginia students can register, update information or check their registration status on the Virginia Department of Elections website.    

“I have already voted,” said junior Dylan Wright, a geography major in the College of Education. “This election, both the gubernatorial and House of Delegates election are very important for Virginia because they are both very close as it is right now.” 

Polls are open for voting from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Students can vote at one of three UMW polling locations on campus, depending on where they live and the address they registered to vote with.  

Those registered at the UMW Apartments on William Street may vote at Walker-Grant Middle School, 1 Learning Lane.

Students registered at Eagle Landing may vote at Hugh Mercer Elementary School, 2100 Cowan Blvd.

Students registered at the dorms on campus may vote at Dorothy Hart Community Center (GYM), 408 Canal St.