Bristol, Virginia, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Early voting has started across Virginia as residents prepare for the November elections, which include races for governor, lieutenant governor, and local positions. In Bristol, voters can vote at the election office in City Hall, and absentee ballots can be dropped off through November 1. Key races include the governor’s contest between Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears, and local candidates for the House of Delegates. Important deadlines include voter registration and absentee ballot requests, both due by October 24.
Bristol, Virginia – Early voting has commenced across Virginia as of Friday, October 24, in preparation for the November 4 elections, which feature significant statewide and local races. This year, voters will cast their ballots for the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, all 100 seats in the House of Delegates, and various local positions.
This election cycle presents a competitive gubernatorial race where Democrat Abigail Spanberger is up against Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. In the race for lieutenant governor, Democrat Ghazala Hashmi is challenging Republican John Reid II. Additionally, the attorney general contest has Democrat Jay Jones facing off against incumbent Republican Jason Miyares.
At the local level in Bristol, Del. Israel O’Quinn, R-Bristol, is being challenged by Democrat Cindy D. Green for the 44th District House seat covering Bristol City, Washington County, and part of Russell County. The ballot in Bristol also includes elections for five constitutional officer positions: Commonwealth’s Attorney, Sheriff, Commissioner of Revenue, and Treasurer. All incumbents, including Commonwealth’s Attorney Jerry Wolfe, Sheriff Tyrone Foster, and Treasurer Angel Britt, are running without opposition, except for Commissioner Chloe Eva Barker, who is being challenged by Steven Gobble Jr.
For those interested in early voting, the location in Bristol is the election office located in City Hall. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and voting will be available until Saturday, November 1. Voters can conveniently drop off absentee ballots at the drive-through window at the election office.
In Washington County, early voting will take place at the Government Center in Abingdon, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours through October 31, and on Saturdays, October 25, and November 1. The Washington County ballot includes three seats on the Board of Supervisors and three on the School Board. Notably, in the Jefferson District (District B), Supervisor Randy Pennington and School Board member J. Sanders Henderson III are both unopposed. In the Taylor District (District E), David Matlock is running unopposed for the seat of retiring Supervisor Mike Rush. However, School Board incumbent Debbie Anderson will face a challenge from Thomas Musick in the Taylor District. In the Wilson District (District G), both Supervisor Dwayne Ball and School Board incumbent Jenny Nichols are up for re-election without opposition.
For the Saltville Town Council, there are three candidates—John W. Carter, Archie W. Gobble, and Gary R. Call—contesting an unexpired term.
It is important for voters to be aware that the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail was October 24. Additionally, voter registration or updates must be completed by the same date to be eligible for this election. After October 24, same-day registration with a provisional ballot will be available.
Across other Southwest House of Delegate races, each district has two candidates. In District 43, incumbent Will Morefield, R-Tazewell, is facing Democrat Mary Sumner. In District 45, incumbent Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City, is challenged by Democrat Joshua Outsey. Furthermore, in District 46, Republican Mitchell Cornett is up against Democrat Jamie Ralston Hendry, vying to succeed Jed Arnold, who is not seeking re-election.
Key Dates
- Early Voting Starts: October 24
- Last Day to Request Absentee Ballot: October 24
- Voter Registration Deadline: October 24
- Absentee Ballot Drop Off Ends: November 1
Local Early Voting Locations
| Location | Hours |
|---|---|
| Bristol Election Office, City Hall | Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Washington County Government Center | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended hours through October 31, and Saturdays |
Candidate Overview
| Position | Candidates |
|---|---|
| Governor | Abigail Spanberger (D) vs. Winsome Earle-Sears (R) |
| Lieutenant Governor | Ghazala Hashmi (D) vs. John Reid II (R) |
| Attorney General | Jay Jones (D) vs. Jason Miyares (R) |
| 44th District House | Israel O’Quinn (R) vs. Cindy D. Green (D) |
FAQ
When does early voting begin in Virginia?
Early voting began across Virginia on Friday, October 24.
What races are on the ballot for the November 4 elections in Virginia?
The ballot includes races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, all 100 seats in the House of Delegates, and various local races.
Where is the early voting location in Bristol?
The early voting location in Bristol is the election office in City Hall, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., available until Saturday, November 1.
What are the key races in Washington County?
In Washington County, the ballot includes three seats on the Board of Supervisors and three on the School Board.
What is the deadline for voter registration in Virginia?
Voter registration or updates must be completed by October 24 to be eligible for this election.
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Additional Resources
- WCYB News
- Wikipedia: Elections in Virginia
- Herald Courier
- Google Search: Early Voting Virginia 2025
- Virginia Mercury
- Google Scholar: Virginia Elections 2025 Impact
- Woodall’s Campground Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Politics
- WJHL News
- Google News: Virginia Politics 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan 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 the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
