News Summary
Virginia has experienced a remarkable increase in early voting as ballots opened on September 19, 2025. The first week saw 146,223 ballots cast, more than double from the same week in the 2021 election. The rise in participation is attributed to a strategic shift by Republican leaders, who are actively promoting early voting. Political analysts caution that these numbers represent preliminary trends as the state heads into pivotal elections for governor and other key positions. The current early voting patterns suggest a divide between Republican and Democratic engagement in different districts.
Virginia has experienced a remarkable surge in early voting as the state opened its ballots on September 19, 2025. Early voting will run until November 1, just two days before Election Day. The first week of early voting has recorded a total of 146,223 ballots cast, more than double the tally of 69,242 ballots from the equivalent week in the 2021 general election.
Among the 20 districts with the highest early voting participation, 11 are identified as strongly Republican or leaning Republican, while five are strongly Democratic, and four are competitive, as reported by the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP). Statewide, early voting saw 35,224 votes cast by Monday, primarily through in-person voting, with fewer than 1,000 ballots submitted by mail.
Republican leaders credit this increase in early voter turnout to a strategic shift within their party, actively promoting early voting, a significant change from attitudes during the Trump presidency when skepticism toward early voting was prevalent. The focus of the Republican Party of Virginia centers on motivating voters who may not typically participate in elections to cast their ballots early.
House District 71 has recorded the highest number of early votes, encompassing politically competitive regions such as James City and New Kent counties. The incumbent, Del. Amanda Batten (R-James City), seeking reelection, has reported a notable uptick in early voting within her district. Her Democratic opponent, Jessica Anderson, has slightly outstripped her in campaign fundraising, with total contributions of $356,915 compared to Batten’s $305,863.
Political analysts urge caution in interpreting early voting numbers, emphasizing that these figures reflect only preliminary trends rather than definitive outcomes. A political science professor noted that the level of engagement in Republican-leaning districts may signal heightened enthusiasm among GOP voters ahead of the election.
The upcoming 2025 election is expected to be pivotal, with key races for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general, alongside all House of Delegates seats and numerous local positions. Contrasting patterns are apparent; Northern Virginia districts, characterized by an 87% Democratic lean, account for a significant 83% of early votes cast in that area, while rural localities demonstrate a Republican surge.
Virginia’s electoral regulations permit any registered voter to vote in person up to 45 days before Election Day without providing a reason, reflecting a broader shift towards increasing access to early voting. The Republican Party’s “Secure the Vote” campaign is designed to foster confidence in the voting process and enhance Republican turnout as Election Day approaches.
The data on early voting suggests that, while Republicans are effectively engaging their voters earlier in the process, Democrats have a tradition of mobilizing their supporters closer to the Election Day through grassroots efforts. Both political parties continue to have opportunities to influence voter turnout as the early voting period progresses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Virginia Mercury: GOP Districts Take Early Lead in Virginia’s First Week of Early Voting
- WJLA: Virginia Early Voting Turnout
- Virginia Scope: The Weekend That Sent the Virginia Democratic Party into a Tailspin
- Washington Post: Virginia Elections Analysis
- Wikipedia: Early Voting in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
