510 In-Person Votes Cast on Election Day and 26.25% Overall Voter Turnout Reported at Fairfax’s University Precinct

Student Media conducted exit polling outside Merten Hall on November 4th to learn more about what issues and candidates were motivating student voters in 2025. Voters were asked to complete an anonymous exit survey after voting at Mason’s on-campus polling place (University Precinct). Click here to view the unofficial 2025 Fairfax County election results >

According to Student Media’s exit polling, Mason voters overwhelmingly supported the Democratic candidate in the race for Virginia’s next governor, with 93.1% of respondents indicating they voted for Democrat Abigail Spanberger. 5.9% of respondents said they voted for Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears.

That trend continued into the lieutenant governor and attorney general races, with 92.1% (Ghazala Hashmi) and 90.1% (Jay Jones) of survey respondents voting for Democratic candidates. Republican candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general received 5% (John Reid) and 7.9% (Jason Miyares), respectively.

On-campus voters also heavily favored incumbent Democratic candidate David Bulova (84.2%) for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 11th District race that includes Mason’s Fairfax campus. Republican challenger Adam Wise received 5.9% support according to exit polling results.

Voter enthusiasm is a topic of concern for both parties during any election cycle, but the vast majority of survey respondents at Mason reported being “very” or “somewhat” enthusiastic about voting in 2025. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 indicating “Very Enthusiastic” and 1 indicating “Not Ethusiastic At All,” responses broke down like this: (5-54.8%; 4-22.2%; 3-17%; 2-3.7%; 1-2.2%).

According to the results of Student Media’s 2025 exit poll survey, the most important issue to on-campus student voters was “Abortion,” with 16.3% of respondents selecting that as the number one concern influencing their vote. “Civil Rights,” “Social Justice,” and “LGBTQ+ Issues” all tied for second most important issue at 14.1% each. Next highest were “Education/Higher Ed” at 8.1%, “Healthcare” at 5.9%, and “Immigration” at 4.4%.

George Mason University is consistently ranked as a “Voter-Friendly Campus,” so perhaps it’s no surprise that the majority of exit poll respondents strongly agreed with the statement “I feel comfortable expressing my political views” on campus. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 indicating “Strongly Agree” and 1 indicating “Strongly Disagree,” responses broke down like this: (5-51.4%; 4-29.7%; 3-13.8%; 2-3.6%; 1-1.4%).

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Curious How Mason Voted in 2025?

Check out the full results of our 2025 exit polling below:

(Click on an image to enlarge the size)

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Photos by: Joylin Ting/Student Media

Partisan and Nonpartisan Groups Provided Treats for On-Campus Voters at Merten Hall

By: Rithvik Hari, Mason Votes Contributor

Partisan and nonpartisan student organizations lined the entrance of Merten Hall on Election Day, encouraging students to vote and offering sweet treats in return. Vote 4 Equality, GMU Dems, College Republicans, NextGen America, Student Media, and Mason Votes were among the organizations present.

As voters and potential voters walked towards Merten Hall, members of the organizations engaged with them to discuss candidates, voting procedures, and civic engagement. Of the organizations present, Vote 4 Equality, GMU Dems, and NextGen America voiced support for Democratic candidates while College Republicans advocated for Republican candidates. Mason Votes, a nonpartisan organization, remained neutral, promoting voter participation without endorsing any party. Student Media continued their tradition of conducting nonpartisan voter exit surveys to better understand which issues were most important to on-campus voters at Mason and gain insight into the most popular candidates among students.

NextGen America, Vote 4 Equality, and Mason Votes rewarded voters with snacks and sweet treats upon proof of voting, while GMU Democrats and GMU Republicans handed out sample ballots with information on who to select on the ballot that aligns with each party.

“NextGen America is an organization representing and empowering young people to get civically engaged. So today, when it’s one of the most important elections in the whole country, and the whole country is watching, we are really hoping to make sure young people have access to the election and have an opportunity to have their voices heard,” said Gabriella Grabovska, Virginia Deputy Field Organizer for NextGen America. Grabovska encouraged people on the fence about voting to “Just do it.” She added, “The atmosphere on election day is awesome, and this is something that you will remember for years. So, make this a tradition”

“Vote 4 Equality is here encouraging students to vote, and mainly, the reason we are here is to make sure everyone’s right to vote is respected. We are here in case someone isn’t that familiar with the voting process or they don’t understand how same day registration works,” said Anna Putnam, a member of Vote 4 Equality. Putnam continued, “Our slogan is vote as if your life depends on it. So, vote to have the life you would like. Vote for your community, vote for your family, vote for you and your rights, and vote for someone who you believe will make your life better.

“We’re out here because we want to push back against the Trump administration’s harmful policies so far in the last year, and the best way to do that is to get Democrats out on campus to mobilize and get out and vote,” said Christian Collins of GMU Dems. “Usually the opposite party in power wins Virginia, so we have a lot of momentum on our side, and we think we’re going to win,” Collins added. To people who aren’t sure about voting, Collins said, “It’s important, your future’s on the line. The future of George Mason is on the line.”

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Photos by: Joylin Ting

Mason Votes will be providing LIVE election night updates throughout the evening, so keep refreshing this post for the latest news and results!

By: Saahiti Kiran Chamala, Managing Editor, Gabriella Grabovska, MasonVotes Contributor and Virginia Deputy Field organizer for NextGen America, and Rithvik Hari, MasonVotes Contributor

Visit the VA Dept. of Elections website for unofficial results:

enr.elections.virginia.gov/results/public/virginia/elections/2025-November-General

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LIVE Updates:

11:25 pm (CA) : The New York Times reported that voters in California had approved Proposition 50, the congressional redistricting measure.

11:00 pm (CA) : Polls have closed in California for the special election.

9:32 pm (NJ) : MSNBC reports that Zohran Mamdani has won the New York City Mayoral race.

9:26 p.m. (NJ) : Live CNN Projections just announced Mikie Sherrill as the winner of the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election, marking a significant Democratic hold in a closely watched statewide race.

9:26 pm (NYC) : Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-FL) congratulates Zohran Mamdani in an Instagram story – “Congrats Mr. Mayor-Elect”. 60% of votes in New York City are in; Mamdani is leading over Andrew Cuomo by more than 100,000 votes, according to New York Times. No media network has called the race yet.

9:25 PM (NJ) : MSNBC reports that Mikie Sherrill has won the New Jersey Gubernatorial Race

9:20 pm (NJ) : Democrat Mikie Sherrill holds a steady lead over Republican Jack Ciattarelli. So far, 57% of the votes have been reported and 56.6% of the vote is being given to Sherrill. 

9:14pm (NYC) : First results coming in from NYC Mayor’s race. New york hits 2 million votes for the first time since 1969.

9:04 p.m. (NYC) : According to Eye Witness News, New York City has just reached 2 million votes cast in the mayoral race, a turnout level not seen since the 1969 election.

9:02 pm (VA)  :  Decision Desk HQ has projected a win for Jay Jones in the race for Virginia Attorney General, signaling a breakthrough in what had been a highly contested statewide fight. This Win marks a triple victory for the Democrats in the Gubernatorial Election 2025.

9:00 (NYC) : polls close in anticipated race for NYC mayor. 

8:53 pm (VA) : Democrats take a big lead in the house of delegates race. So far, 20 Democrats have won their races compared to 2 Republicans.

8:41 pm (VA) : Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger celebrates victory and speaks to the people of Virginia: “Tonight we sent a message to every corner of the Commonwealth.”

8:35 pm (NJ) : New Jersey Governor Race is leaning more towards the left with Mikie Sherrill being projected to have more than 60% of the vote according to the New York Times. 

8:34 pm (VA) : ABC News calls the Lt. Governor race for Democrat Ghazala Hashmi, the first Muslim woman to serve in this position.

8:29 pm (VA) : Abigail Spanberger, the democratic candidate for governor is the winner of the governor race becoming the Virginia’s first women governor elect.

8:08 pm (VA) : The Attorney General Race continues to be close with most Western Virginia counties leaning right. Most Western and Southern Virginia counties are predicted to have incumbent AG Jason Miyares win while some Eastern and Northern Virginia counties are predicted to have Jay Jones win.

8:00 pm (VA) : New York Times predicts Abigail Spanberger as winner of the Virginia Gubernatorial race. The Times is predicting that Spanberger will win with 54% of the vote. The Times also reported that most Virginia counties have shifted left.

7:59 pm (VA) : According to a Voter turnout analysis done by Fairfax County Office of Elections, George Mason University turnout is higher than 30% for the first time since 2019.
The turnout in the VA gubernatorial race shows high turnout among young people. George Mason University is one of the indicators with 878 ballots cast. In 2024, only 682 votes were reported showing a 28% higher participation, a significant increase in an off-year election.

7:52 pm (VA) : With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Associated Press analysis shared through NPR’s live coverage shows 47.6 percent of votes for the Republican governor candidate and 52.3 percent for the Democratic governor candidate in Surry County. In contrast, Highland County reports a decisive lead for the Republican candidate, signaling strong GOP turnout in rural western regions of the Commonwealth as vote counts continue statewide.

7:50 pm (VA) : Northern Virginia counties shifting left.
Abigail Spanberger is leading the Virginia gubernatorial race by more than 90,000 votes, according to the New York Times reporting. 27% of ballots have been counted so the race is too early to call. However, Loudoun County and other counties in Northern Virginia are showing more left-leaning trends in comparison to the 2021 gubernatorial and 2024 presidential races.

7:38 pm (NJ) : Turnout in New Jersey is higher than in 2024 presidential election. Former Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, said live on ABC News that turnout in New Jersey for the gubernatorial race has been “electric” with more than 120% turnout rate in certain counties.

7:18 pm (VA) : Early voting from all precincts in Fairfax City has been reported. City Hall served as the only location for early voting, and initial tallies indicate that these ballots favor Democratic candidates.

7:15 pm : As of the latest updates from reputable sources including the Washington Post, NPR, and the Virginia Department of Elections, the 2025 Virginia gubernatorial race between Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears remains one of the most closely watched contests in the nation. Polls officially closed across the Commonwealth at 7 p.m. EST, and while votes are still being tallied, early projections and exit polling indicate a strong showing for Spanberger, who has consistently led her opponent in pre-election surveys. According to the Wilder School’s July poll, Spanberger held a 12-point advantage, and election-night coverage by ABC News describes her as “poised to flip” the governor’s office blue—an outcome that would mark the first Democratic governorship since Ralph Northam’s term ended in 2022. The Virginia Department of Elections has confirmed that results remain unofficial until localities complete their certifications later this week.

6:00 pm : Polls in Virginia close at 7pm, but if you’re still in live at 7pm, you will be allowed to vote!

More coming soon!

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Photos by: Joylin Ting/Student Media

Virginia’s Republican Candidates Host Final Campaign Event of 2025 Election

By: Rithvik Hari, Fourth Estate Staff Writer

This story was originally published on gmufourthestate.com. Fourth Estate is Mason’s official student-run newspaper.

With music playing and lights flashing red, white and blue, Virginia’s Republican candidates held their final campaign rally of the election cycle on Nov. 3 at the Salisbury Center in Manassas, Va.

The venue, known for hosting MMA fights and weekly comedy shows, was filled with supporters wearing “Make America Great Again” and “Winsome for Governor” hats and holding campaign signs. Before the event began, staffers from the Winsome Earle-Sears campaign tossed T-shirts and other merchandise into the crowd.

The evening opened with a prayer from Rev. Alan Perdue, followed by Carol Fox, president of the Bull Run Republican Women’s Club, who led the Pledge of Allegiance.

State Delegate Ian Lovejoy of the 22nd Legislative District was the first to speak, highlighting his public service career and the city’s deep history.

“This election is a battle. A battle for common sense,” Lovejoy said.

He criticized the record of his Democratic opponent, Elizabeth Guzman, and concluded: “When we vote we win. Through this election, we will restore common sense.”

Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters followed, thanking Gov. Glenn Youngkin for his work during the last term and stressing election integrity.

“We must do everything we can to protect the vote,” Gruters said.

Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate John Reid then addressed the crowd, drawing cheers when he mentioned organizing an AI debate after his opponent declined to participate.

“Stand up for what you believe in,” Reid said.

He added that he supports public schools and law enforcement, promising, “I will not accept violence in the commonwealth of Virginia. I will do everything I can for every citizen.”

Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is running for reelection, reminded attendees of the condition of the state before the 2021 election.

“Virginia was dying in 2021. We were 48th in reopening our schools after COVID-19. But we were saved after the 2021 election,” he said.

Miyares highlighted initiatives like Operation Bold Blue Line and Operation Ceasefire, aimed at reducing violent crime and gang activity. He said he would continue targeting fentanyl dealers “putting Virginia communities at risk,” and criticized his opponent, saying, “Jay Jones advocates for violence.”

Gov. Youngkin energized the crowd, saying a “revival” was happening in Virginia. “Elections have consequences, and so we have to win,” he said.

Youngkin argued that if Republicans had not won in 2021, “Virginia would have moved so far left we would have gone past California and toward Hawaii.”

He credited Miyares with helping “save Virginia” and encouraged attendees to bring 10 friends to vote.

Lt. Gov. and gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears closed the night with remarks focused on policy and party unity.

“Winning the election starts with you,” she told the crowd. “Abigail Spanberger has failed Virginia.”

Earle-Sears criticized Democratic clean energy initiatives, calling them harmful to Virginians. She pledged to eliminate the car tax if elected and said her policies would “work for Democrats, Republicans, independents and everyone in between.”

She noted that 81 of 123 sheriffs across the commonwealth have endorsed her and said she would maintain qualified immunity for law enforcement officers.

Earle-Sears also addressed former President Joe Biden’s health during his presidential term, saying, “Abigail should have done something about his decline. Abigail is for Abigail. Abigail is not for Virginia.”

She closed by criticizing former Gov. Ralph Northam’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. “COVID didn’t close our schools. Ralph Northam did. COVID didn’t close our stores. Ralph Northam did,” she said. “It truly matters who the governor is.”

“I’m voting Republican this year because of basic common sense, law and order and my faith,” said Olivia Maxwell, a spectator at the event. Maxwell added that she believes it is immoral and cruel for men to participate in women’s sports.

In an interview with the Fourth Estate, she said Democrats “have lost their mind and are the wimpiest party of my lifetime.” She also said, “Democrats are fascists.”

As Election Day approaches, candidates across Virginia are making their final appeals to voters. The Manassas event marked one of the last major campaign stops before Virginians head to the polls in the 2025 election.

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Photos by: Rithvik Hari/Fourth Estate

Vice President Rose Pascarell Reflects on Mason’s Legacy of Empowering Student Voters

By: Saahiti Kiran Chamala, Mason Votes Managing Editor

On November 3rd, Mason Votes met with Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell to discuss George Mason University’s continued dedication to civic engagement, the evolution of student voter participation, and how Mason Votes helps prepare students to become active participants in democracy.

Mason has long been recognized as a Voter-Friendly Campus, a distinction that underscores its dedication to student involvement in civic life. Pascarell expressed pride in the university’s national reputation for civic engagement. “First of all, I’m really, really proud about the voter-friendly campus designation that Mason has. And even more proud of Mason Votes, which I want to say we began, I think in 2007,” she said. “As it’s evolved over the years, including getting the voter-friendly campus [designation], Mason has become more and more well known for its focus on civic engagement.”

She explained that Mason Votes began with “small aspirations,” but has grown into a central piece of Mason’s civic life. “We have a whole center that’s committed to civic engagement right now,” she noted, adding that other units such as the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement also play key roles. “Year over year, we’ve seen that increase, and it’s why I think Mason has a higher than average proportion of students who vote than do other campuses around the country.”

Pascarell emphasized that civic engagement extends beyond the ballot box. “Honestly, I always think about the college campus, particularly at a public institution, as a learning lab for service,” she said. “There are lots of ways to really participate in democracy—voting is one really important way, but there are many other ways to become involved and really become an active member of not just the campus community, but the overall community.”

She praised Mason’s culture of open dialogue and activism: “We have a strong record of promoting freedom of expression, but also student activism. I really appreciate when students feel so passionate about a national or a global issue that they choose to kind of raise their voice in ways outside of voting.”

When asked about efforts to make voting easier and more approachable, Pascarell highlighted Mason Votes Ambassadors and the Democracy Lab. “I really do believe that Mason Votes Ambassadors have done an incredible job,” she said. “You also know that [Dr. Jennifer Victor] hosts the Democracy Lab through her appointment at the Schar School, but also the Democracy Lab is a living-learning community and it’s really one of our most active and most successful.”

She also pointed to Braver Angels, a dialogue initiative hosted by the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement. “It brings together students and staff and faculty, but primarily students who have different opinions and a discussion around letting people share their opinions and share their approach on various contentious issues,” Pascarell said. “We’re living at a time in this country where it’s really difficult to have dissenting opinions. The programs that we offer and the opportunities that are offered in the classroom to really hash it out is [something] so important.”

For students voting for the first time, Pascarell encouraged preparation and engagement. “Get on the Mason Votes website. Look for the links to all the candidates… you can go directly to the candidate websites,” she advised. “To go directly to candidate websites to look for their positions in general, but [also] on issues that a student might feel passionate about, is a really important way to educate yourself.”

She added that this year’s elections are particularly significant. “Some really important issues are going to be determined based on who our elected officials are. So I would say to any student voting for the first time, how lucky you are to be voting in a really consequential set of races.”

Pascarell also reflected on why every ballot counts. “There was a really significant race in the General Assembly in Virginia… literally, the race was decided by one vote. And I lie not to you,” she recalled. “If this isn’t a really clear example [of] why every vote counts, I don’t know what is.”

She described civic participation as something that strengthens with experience. “As you come into college and if you’re voting for the first time, yeah, it’s really important to vote. But then voting also leads hopefully to the understanding that every individual has a say in this democracy,” she said.

When asked how Mason supports students who face barriers such as registration or absentee voting, Pascarell said much of it comes down to awareness and outreach. “A lot of it is around voter awareness, right? Making sure as best we can that students understand how to vote and where they can vote,” she said. “We have a very strong voter registration initiative as the semester begins. It’s all about figuring out, okay, I’m registered to vote, where can I vote, what’s the time of the voting location? And my gosh, now that Virginia has early voting, I say to everybody, there’s no reason why every single person in the Commonwealth shouldn’t vote.”

Pascarell added that Mason’s partnerships help sustain that effort. “Our relationship with the Fairfax County [Registrar] and the League of Women Voters… that doesn’t just start on Election Day, that starts way before.”

As the conversation closed, Pascarell shared a direct message for Mason students ahead of Election Day:

“I have one word to say — VOTE. Your voice is your vote so use it!!”

Today is Election Day. Polls are open across Virginia—so make your plan, bring your ID, and cast your ballot.Have you voted yet?

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Slider Photo: Courtesy of Rose Pascarell

Continuing Connolly’s Legacy and Engaging Mason Students in the 2025 Election

By: Saahiti Kiran Chamala, Mason Votes Managing Editor

On Friday, October 31st, Saahiti Kiran Chamala, Managing Editor for Mason Votes, conducted an interview with U.S. Representative James Walkinshaw (VA-11), whose district includes Mason’s Fairfax campus. Walkinshaw was elected to Congress in a special election this September following the passing of longtime Congressman Gerry Connolly.

During the discussion, Congressman Walkinshaw reflected on his connection to George Mason University, his priorities for Northern Virginia, and the importance of student engagement ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.

When asked about how his role in Congress intersects with the priorities of Mason students, Walkinshaw emphasized his long-standing connection to the university. “I’ve represented George Mason for the last six years now on the Board of Supervisors and now in Congress. So I spent a lot of time on campus, a lot of time working with the leadership and administration of the university, but also a lot of time with the students,” he said.

He added that his goal is to continue Congressman Connolly’s efforts in strengthening Mason’s role within the district. “In this new role, I want to build on that work and build on that partnership and continue to engage regularly with students, faculty, administration, to make sure that I’m doing everything I can in Congress to ensure that Mason continues to thrive and grow and succeed.”

Discussing current student concerns, Walkinshaw pointed to the economy as a central issue. “Our regional economy, a national economy, obviously here in Northern Virginia, the first 10 months of the Trump administration have created a lot of economic challenges. The unemployment rate in Fairfax is the highest it’s been since we were coming out of COVID,” he said. He noted that his focus is on protecting jobs and pushing back against federal policies that harm local economies. “A lot of my focus now is on pushing back against those policies that are coming out of the White House… trying to use my role to speak out against them, to support lawsuits against them when they’re illegally firing federal workers… I think the most important thing that a member of Congress can do is fight for the community that they represent.”

Walkinshaw also reflected on what he’s hearing from young voters across his district. “Concern about the Trump administration’s policies are number one — policies related to the economy and jobs… cuts to healthcare that are going to drive up costs for families, including students, immigration policies and deportation efforts… and what I view as a concerted attack on universities, including on George Mason University, from the Department of Education,” he said.

Having served as former Rep. Connolly’s chief of staff for over a decade, Walkinshaw spoke about continuing his predecessor’s dedication to the region. “I had the opportunity to serve as Congressman Connolly’s chief of staff for 11 years… I saw the way that he put his entire mind, body, and soul into serving and representing this community, including George Mason University, and I’m working very hard to take exactly the same approach.”

On the topic of housing, Walkinshaw highlighted his past and ongoing efforts to address affordability. “Housing affordability [is] a really critical issue in our region and in Fairfax… I led an effort to build a new community of affordable homes in front of the main Fairfax County Government Center that’ll have 279 new units with child care on the ground floor,” he said. He also discussed his support for federal housing reform. “There’s bipartisan legislation in Congress called the Road to Housing Act that I’m supporting… It creates an innovation fund for local governments… and streamlines a lot of the red tape and bureaucracy that prevents new housing units from being built.”

Walkinshaw expressed hope for bipartisan collaboration to protect federal workers, many of whom live or work near Mason. “One of the things I’m working on is establishing a federal workforce caucus in Congress which will be a group of members of congress who are committed to working productively to support federal workers and support making the federal government more effective and efficient.”

He reminded students of the importance of voting in every election, not just presidential ones. “It’s actually the local government and the state government who most impact your day-to-day lives… The state government obviously, very tangibly, you know, has a role in providing state support and funding for universities like George Mason, and when they provide less funding from the state it generally means tuition has to go up,” he said. “When an election has lower turnout and you vote, your vote kind of counts even more… You can have an outsized impact.”

When asked how students can remain engaged after Election Day, Walkinshaw encouraged them to take initiative. “It’s really important for young people and students to engage with their elected officials… Elected officials are always generally excited to hear from young people and get their perspectives… Know your power.” He also offered practical advice for those hoping to start in public service. “Reach out to your local government officials… One of the things I tried very hard to do with somewhat limited success… was to recruit George Mason students to serve on the various Fairfax County boards, authorities, and commissions… They’re always looking for younger folks who are interested in getting engaged in that way.”

As the interview wrapped up, Walkinshaw reaffirmed his connection to the Mason community. “I’m honored to represent George Mason and the entire Mason community and look forward to engaging with the Mason community for many years to come. I live right up the road, so the campus and the Mason community are an important part of my life and my family’s life, and I look forward to deepening the relationship.”

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Zoom Interview Screenshot by: Saahiti Kiran Chamala

Spanberger Attends Event Recognizing the Local Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

By: Rithvik Hari, Fourth Estate Staff Writer

This story was originally published on gmufourthestate.com. Fourth Estate is Mason’s official student-run newspaper.

With election day right around the corner, candidates are making their final rounds throughout the state with the intention of locking in every vote.

In one of her many stops around Virginia during her “Virginia Votes Bus Tour,” gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger visited Soricha Tea and Theater, a Korean tea house in Annandale, Va. to recognize the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Annandale, known for its large Korean-American population, has become a key area for politicians to visit because of its ties to the AAPI community.

As attendees entered the tea house on Oct. 30, they checked in with campaign staff and passed through metal detectors operated by private security. The tea house was filled to capacity, with attendees standing along the back wall and holding campaign signs.

Spanberger was welcomed with a standing ovation and cheers from supporters, including former and current representatives and delegates of the local and state government.

Delegate Kathy Tran, representing the 18th district of Va., welcomed attendees to the event and acknowledged other high profile attendees including former Virginia Delegates Mark Keam and Ken Plum, as well as current delegate JJ Singh.

City of Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi and Democratic Asian Americans of Va. Caucus Chair Shyamali Hauth was also in the crowd during the event.

Tran then introduced Amanda Chiem, Soricha’s assistant manager, who conducted a traditional Korean tea ceremony. The ceremony is a centuries-old practice that emphasizes harmony, tranquility and mindfulness.

When asked about the significance of the experience, Chiem said, “I do the tea service every day for customers, so it was just another service.”

Following the traditional Korean tea ceremony, attendees witnessed a Korean drum performance by the Hasang Korean School Traditional Drum Team, led by Director Wonyong Chong.

After the performance, Spanberger took the stage to address the crowd. She began by expressing how grateful she was that Republican gubernatorial candidate and current Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earl-Sears and her team were okay after their bus caught fire en-route to a campaign event.

Spanberger continued by sharing how her then 5-year-old daughter helped convince her to move back to Virginia after her career as a CIA analyst.

She then moved to the government shutdown.

“The current government shutdown is hurting so many Virginia families,” Spanberger said.

In recognizing the AAPI Community, Spanberger added, “I want to ensure we celebrate the dreams, culture and people that make Virginia, Virginia.”

Spanberger also mentioned how through this election, “We will set an example for the rest of the country when communities bond together.”

“I want to put Virginia’s public schools on the path to be the best public schools in the nation.” She said, concluding her speech to applause from the crowd.

Spanberger then met with the crowd for photos and conversation before departing for her next campaign event in Manassas.

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Photos by: Sam Douglas/Fourth Estate

Definitely Not Your Usual Mayoral Contest

By: Renata Pernegrova, Mason Votes Contributor

On November 4th, New Yorkers will head to the polls to elect their new mayor. Unlike past races, this contest for governing control of the Big Apple has captured national attention. And the results are expected to have an impact nationally.

Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams dropping out at the end of September left the race with three candidates who have very little in common. With national midterm elections just a year away, the mayoral contest between Republican Curtis Sliwa, independent Andrew Cuomo and Democrat Zohran Mamdani is deemed important for the country as well as for the city itself.

Republican Sliwa, who, as of Oct. 29 ranked distant third in the polls, is running on restoring safety in the city—an important issue for voters and one that the current mayor promised to resolve when he won the election four years ago. The Adams administration has demonstrated mixed results on this issue. At the same time, Sliwa has distanced himself from President Donald Trump and claimed he would oppose a White House move linked to sending the National Guard to patrol the city. The Republican also has rejected the latest calls for him to step down from the race and endorse Cuomo. That strategy is meant to undermine Mamdani’s winning chances.

Cuomo, an independent candidate who lost the Democratic primary earlier in the year, has had a long career in politics. However, his record was damaged in his last role as New York governor when allegations of sexual harassment in his governor’s office were made public. This, and his response to the pandemic, contributed to him stepping down from his governorship. A recent poll ranked him at 33%, ten points behind Mamdani. Alleged financial ties to Trump and criticism of the Democratic frontrunner have helped to position Cuomo in between the two candidates.

Mamdani emerged last fall as a young, self-described Socialist-Democrat, running on policies such as free buses, rent freezes and small business reforms. His campaign, mainly focused on social media and retail outreach, has captured the nation’s attention and earned him endorsements from high-profile figures within the Democratic Party, although not from all the top national Democrats. Mamdani’s profile—a naturalized citizen of Ugandan heritage and of a Muslim background—has divided the public. However, he has consistently led in the polls, with young voters as well as voters concerned about affordable housing making up his main base, according to recent reporting about his campaign.

New York City is an important commercial and media center. Its demographics include different cultures, religions, ethnicities and political beliefs. Whoever wins the contest and becomes the mayor of the Big Apple for the next four years, experts anticipate an impact that will go far beyond the streets of the city.

Renata Pernegrova is a sophomore at George Mason University studying government and global affairs. This article was submitted as part of a COMM 374: Political Journalism class project.

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Slider Photo by: Jason Hartsel

Registered Voters at Share Motivations Ahead of Tuesday’s Election

By: Rithvik Hari, Mason Votes Contributor

During the September 2025 special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, only 138 ballots were cast out of 2,132 registered voters in Mason’s precinct, a voter turnout of just 6.4%

With another statewide election approaching on Nov. 4, some students are reflecting on the importance of civic participation and why they plan to vote. 

Senior Matthew Webster said voting helps ensure that elected officials understand the needs and values of their constituents. “In order to govern, elected officials need a sense of what the people in their communities want and what their values are. One way that they get this picture is through elections, which show what politicians and initiatives people want badly enough to support at the polls. Even if an election is not very competitive, showing the winner what you want means they are more likely to listen to you even if they aren’t who you voted for.”

Junior Alia Daniels highlighted the importance of participation itself. “I think voting is important. If people don’t vote then change will be impossible to accomplish,” Daniels said.

Senior Adam Cook shared that his motivation to vote comes from protecting institutions and limiting government overreach. “I’m voting to protect our university and others from political scrutiny, as well as to protect the state of VA and Americans from federal overreach,” Cook said.

The November 4th election will have a direct effect on the Mason community. The governor of Virginia appoints members of the university’s Board of Visitors, which serves as Mason’s governing body. Voters will also choose the lieutenant governor, attorney general, and delegates representing their districts in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Freshmen Montgomery Vanik and Caleb Beaver both emphasized civic engagement as their reason for voting. “I am voting to be an active member in American democracy and society,” Vanik said. “I am doing my civic duty by voting,” Beaver added.

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Remember to VOTE on Tuesday, November 4th!

Make sure to look up your assigned polling place so you show up at the right place on Election Day: elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/polling-place-lookup

Students who registered to vote using their Fairfax on-campus housing address can cast their ballots at Merten Hall. Click here to learn more >

Polls open at 6am and close at 7pm. Voters who are in line by 7pm will still be allowed to vote.

If you missed the voter registration deadline (Oct. 24), you can still vote at your home precinct by utilizing same day registration. Click here to learn more about same-day voter registration and provisional ballots >

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Slider Photo by: Mitchell Richtmyre