Fri Sep 20 08:45:00 UTC 2024: ## Early Voting Begins in Roanoke and New River Valleys: Local and National Races on the Ballot

**Roanoke, VA** – Early voting began Friday in Virginia, with a number of local and national races on the ballot in the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

**Key Races:**

* **U.S. Senate:** Incumbent Democrat Tim Kaine faces Republican Hung Cao.
* **Sixth District U.S. House:** Incumbent Republican Ben Cline faces Democrat Ken Mitchell and independent Robby Wells.
* **Ninth District U.S. House:** Incumbent Republican Morgan Griffith faces Democrat Karen Baker.
* **Roanoke Mayor:** Republican David Bowers, Democrat Joe Cobb, and independent Stephanie Moon Reynolds are vying for the position.
* **Salem Sheriff:** Jonathan Branson and Chris Shelor are competing for the role.

Additionally, numerous local races for city council, town council, and school board seats are taking place across the region.

**Statewide Referendum:**

All Virginians will vote on a statewide referendum regarding a proposed tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a soldier who died in the line of duty.

**Encouraging Voter Turnout:**

“We want everyone to vote. It’s their right to vote,” stated a director of elections. “Most people don’t vote but once every four years.”

**Salem Special Election:**

Salem will hold an election on November 5th to fill the unexpired term of April Staton, who is retiring on September 1st.

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