George Mason University students talk about the gubernatorial election.
Brandyn Keating Virginia State Director of Organizing for America has just sent out an email inviting people to their Community Conversation on Health Care. The event will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center and moderated by Wendell Potter the Senior Fellow on Health Care for the Center for Media and Democracies
Democratic candidate for Virginia Attorney General Steven Shannon is now linking his republican opponent, Ken Cuccinelli, to republican gubernatorial Bob McDonnell’s master’s thesis troubles.
“As Attorney General you have to have focus and priorities, and Virginia has some very serious crime fighting challenges that have to be met over the next four years. Virginians deserve to know that Ken Cuccinelli shares the startling political agenda that is outlined in Bob McDonnell’s thesis,” said Shannon spokesman Brian Coy.
Mason Votes called Cuccinelli’s office for a response. Campaign officials have promised to contact us with a statement soon. This post will be updated when that statement is given.
Periodically, candidates must submit reports detailing their expenditures and contributions. Campaigns use these numbers as type of barometer of success and compete heavily to raise more money their opponent(s). Today is the end of the July 1-Aug. 31 period and campaigns are almost begging supporters to contribute before midnight tonight.
“Today is a big day for our campaign as we close the books on another fundraising reporting period and set the stage for the fall campaign. How many calls we can make, doors we can knock, mailings we can send, and TV ads we can run depend on your continued generosity,” wrote Jody Wagner in an email.
The numbers will be published on Sept. 15 and will affect the campaigns ability to advertise and canvas. These funds are important for gubernatorial candidates like Creigh Deeds (D) who was behind Bob McDonnell (R) in a Washington Post poll 40 to 47 percent. However, in the last reporting period, Deeds out-fundraised McDonnell by over 1.5 million dollars.
The State Board of Elections provides Financial Disclosure Reports for all candidates. The Virginia Public Access Project also provides detailed breakdown of campaign finances in a more visually stimulating way.
Click here for the State Board of Elections’ Easy Voter Guide.
Also, here is some information pertaining to student voters.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds delivered a stump speech at George Mason University on August 21. The speech highlighted the state’s economic situation and the importance of higher education.
9:09 p.m.
Sunday’s Washington Post article detailing a Bob McDonnell thesis written in 1989 has caused a stir across the state. The paper, which was written for McDonnell’s master’s in public policy and law degree, was titled “The Republican Party’s Vision for the Family: The Compelling Issue of the Decade.”
According to a politico.com article, in an afternoon phone press conference, McDonnell insisted that he has changed his views on many social issues. Politico.com quotes him as saying “I think it’s unfortunate, but not surprising…that [Deeds] would turn to the divisive social issues to try to drive some enthusiasm for his campaign,” McDonnell said. “Senator Deeds, and I think this is the reason he is insisting on social issues on his campaign, has one of the worst records in recent Virginia history with supporting jobs and free enterprise.”
The Democrat Party of Virginia has also weighed in on the issue by releasing an ad bashing McDonnell for his thesis. The ad is set to scary music and as The Washington Post’s Rosalind Helderman writes “clips of puppies playing in a meadow would be frightening if set to the music used in this video.”
Initial McDonnell press release: Virginia Women Respond to Latest Deeds Attack
See what Mark Rozell, George Mason University political science professor, says about this.
Mason Votes will continue to update this story with the latest news.
Listen to Christian Smith review the top political news from the week of Aug. 24 in 60 seconds.
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Q: When is the next election?
A: The next election will be Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Q: Who is eligible to vote?
A: U.S. citizens living in Virginia who will be at least 18 by Nov. 2.
Q: Where do I vote?
A:Click here to find out.
Q: What identification do I need?
A: To vote, you will need any of the following identifications: a Virginia voter identification card, a valid Virginia’s driver’s license, a military ID, a federal, state or local government issued ID, an employer issued photo ID card, or a social security card. If you do not bring any of these forms of identification, you can still vote but will be required to sign an Affirmation of Identity.
Q: Do I have to register to vote?
A: Yes. You must register at least 29 days before the election in which you want to vote. This year, the registration deadline is October 5. If you have previously registered and have not changed your personal information (name, address, etc.) you do not need to re-register.
Q: How can I register to vote?
A: You must register with the State board of Elections you can register in person at your local voter registration site, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Social Services or by mailing in an application available at most public libraries.
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A: You may file an online complaint form to notify the and the General Registrar of your problem or you can file a formal grievance.
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A:Click here for information on what the State Board of Elections provides for voters with special needs.
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A: You may fill out a Voter Registration Application which must be faxed, mailed or hand delivered by Oct. 5 to the Voter Registration Office for the county or city in which you live.
Q: How do I register for absentee voting?
A: Eligibility is based on very specific qualifications and the registration process for absentee voting depends on what makes you eligible. Click here to find out if you qualify and how to register. You must register either by Oct. 27 by mail or by Oct. 31 in person.
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Q: What are my rights and responsibilities as a voter?
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Q: What type of voting system does my precinct use?
A: A list of voting systems by precinct can be found by clicking here.