In a high-stakes election, voters in Virginia headed to the polls on November 7, 2023, to determine the balance of power in the Virginia Legislature and decide several local races for school and county boards. With legislative elections taking place in only four states this year, the outcome in Virginia is being closely watched for potential indications of trends leading up to the 2024 presidential cycle.

One key issue on voters' minds is abortion rights. Last year, Virginia Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin attempted to implement a ban on abortion after 15 weeks, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, and when the mother's life is in danger. However, this measure was blocked by the Democratic-controlled state Senate. If Republicans gain control of both chambers of the legislature and the governor's office, significant restrictions on abortion in Virginia could be expected, according to Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington.

The economy and inflation were identified as the top concern for voters across the state, according to a recent poll by the Wason Center at Virginia's Christopher Newport University. On one hand, Democrats are emphasizing affordable healthcare, public education, and higher-paying jobs, while Republicans are prioritizing issues of public safety, education, and budget management.

Virginia's gubernatorial election in 2021 saw several districts, particularly in Northern Virginia, shifting support from Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election to Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. This trend has intensified the competitiveness of various districts, with several closely watched races emerging across the state.

One closely contested race is in House District 21, encompassing part of Prince William County, where Republican candidate John Stirrup, a former county board supervisor, faces Democrat Josh Thomas, an attorney and former Marine Corps officer. In House District 22, located in the Manassas area of Prince William County, Democrat Travis Nembhard, a former attorney and D.C. administrative law judge, is challenging Republican Ian Lovejoy, a small-business owner and former member of the Manassas City Council.

The local race for Commonwealth's Attorney in Loudoun County is also generating significant attention. Incumbent Democrat Buta Biberaj seeks a second term and is being challenged by Republican Bob Anderson.

Voter turnout has been robust, with hundreds of thousands of Virginians already casting their ballots through early in-person voting and mail-in ballots. As of November 5, nearly 777,000 Virginia voters had already voted early, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

Polls are open until 7 p.m., and Virginia now offers same-day voter registration for eligible individuals. Voters who have requested a mail-in ballot can drop it off at their local registrar's office by 7 p.m. on Election Day or return it through the mail, postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the general registrar's office by noon on November 10.

As the polls close and the results come in, WTOP will provide comprehensive coverage of the Virginia election and deliver live updates on legislative districts and local races.