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Despite the bad weather, today’s special election will go on as scheduled. Registrars in multiple counties say they’re prepared for the event, even if people have to use candles to see long enough to cast their ballot. 

As a quick reminder, a special election was needed because this seat in the Virginia State Senate is currently vacant. John McGuire won it in the 2023 election, but then he ran for and won a seat representing Virginia in the U.S. Congress two months ago. That means Central Virginia needs someone new to fill the spot. And by Central Virginia, we mean the 10th State Senate District covers the counties (and voters) of Amelia, Appomattox, Buckingham, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Goochland and Powhatan, plus portions of Prince Edward, Hanover, Henrico and Louisa. In Prince Edward, five precincts are included. Those are 101 (Farmville), 502 (Buffalo Heights), 601 (Prospect), 701 (West End), and 801 (Center).

The special election is scheduled so close because whoever wins today will turn right around and be seated on Thursday, Jan. 9. That’s the first day of the new General Assembly session. 

Who are the special election candidates? 

With all of that said, now comes the question as to who’s competing for the seat. After a quick campaign that included seven candidates, it was Prince Edward resident and YakAttack owner Luther Cifers who won the vote for the Republican nomination. 

During the mass meeting where he was elected as the nominee, Cifers argued that his lack of political experience was a positive.
“I’d like to remind you,” Cifers said, “political experience got us Joe Biden. Real world experience got us Donald Trump.”
In his speech, Cifers painted himself in the same vein. He too is a business owner, wanting to bring that same real world experience to Richmond.
On the Democratic side, Jack Trammell was chosen back in November as his party’s candidate for the seat. In his own statement, Trammell said he wants to make changes in Richmond. 

“I want to bring valuable resources to the district to improve your lives such as increased business investments, retain teachers with better pay and benefits, and by bringing down everyday costs,” Trammell said in a statement.

Where do I vote?

So where do you cast a ballot? It’s just like any other election day. Everyone goes to their respective precincts.