Fact Check: Virginia voters are casting ballots in a critical primary election
What We Know
Virginia is currently undergoing a primary election process where voters are selecting Democratic nominees for key positions, including lieutenant governor and attorney general. As of June 15, 2025, nearly 158,000 people had already cast their votes in Democratic primaries, which is a significant increase from 124,000 votes at the same point in the previous primary cycle four years ago (Washington Post). This surge in early voting is notable, especially considering that the early voting period in Virginia is one of the longest in the nation, lasting 45 days prior to the election day.
Additionally, the turnout reflects a heightened enthusiasm among voters, particularly Democrats, who are motivated by national political dynamics and the upcoming elections. State Senator Lamont Bagby, chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, remarked that the turnout indicates Virginians are "fired up like never before" to elect leaders who will oppose former President Trump's agenda (Washington Post).
Analysis
The claim that "Virginia voters are casting ballots in a critical primary election" is supported by multiple sources indicating high voter turnout and significant engagement in the primary process. According to preliminary data, the voter turnout for the primary elections has reached historic levels, with reports suggesting that around 200,000 early votes had been counted statewide by mid-June (Wric). This level of engagement is particularly noteworthy given that there is no gubernatorial race this year, which typically drives higher turnout.
Political analysts have described the turnout as "unprecedented," attributing it to a combination of local and national issues that are resonating with voters, particularly economic concerns (WTKR). The increased participation in early voting, especially among Democrats, suggests that the primary elections are indeed seen as critical by the electorate, reflecting broader political sentiments.
However, it is important to note that while Democratic turnout has been strong, Republican participation has been relatively low, with only about 13,000 votes cast in Republican primaries as of the same date (Washington Post). This discrepancy indicates a potential imbalance in voter engagement across party lines, which could influence the outcomes of the elections.
In evaluating the reliability of the sources, the Washington Post and Wric are established news organizations with a reputation for journalistic integrity. Their reporting is based on data from the Virginia Public Access Project and firsthand accounts from polling locations, which lend credibility to the claims made regarding voter turnout and engagement.
Conclusion
The claim that "Virginia voters are casting ballots in a critical primary election" is True. The evidence presented shows a significant increase in voter turnout compared to previous elections, particularly among Democrats, and highlights the importance of these primaries in the current political climate. The data and analyses from credible sources confirm that voters are actively participating in this electoral process.
