Special Senate election turnout is ‘light to moderate’

Published 3:10 pm Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Voter turnout in Tuesday’s special election across the Heart of Virginia has been light to moderate, according to voter registrars.

The special election will send a new state Senator for the 22nd District, which includes Buckingham, Cumberland and Prince Edward, to Richmond this week.

Three candidates are vying for the seat, vacated by U.S. Rep. Tom Garrett, who was elected to Congress in November, succeeding former U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt, a Republican. Garrett is also a Republican. Democrat Ryant Washington, Republican Mark Peake and independent conservative Joe Hines are on the ballot.

MARTIN L. CAHN | HERALD State Senate District 22 candidates, from left, Republican Mark Peake, independent Joe Hines and Democrat Ryant Washington stood on stage for a few moments after the recent forum ended before greeting supporters.

MARTIN L. CAHN | HERALD
State Senate District 22 candidates, from left, Republican Mark Peake, independent conservative Joe Hines and Democrat Ryant Washington stood on stage for a few moments after a recent forum.

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Buckingham County Voter Registrar Margaret Thomas termed turnout as “low to moderate.” The Prince Edward Voter Registrar’s Office called turnout “moderate,” while Marlene Watson, Cumberland’s registrar, called turnout “light.”

The Herald will publish live results online, once the polls close, at 7 p.m.