The Virginia Election May be a Playbook for 2022

In this episode, Alex discusses the upcoming Virginia Gubernatorial election that will take place on November 2nd. Virginia is a strange state in which a governor cannot be in office for two consecutive terms. This election is between the Former Democratic Governor, Terry McAuliffe, and the Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin. Alex breaks down: 

 

• How this election may be a test run for both Republican and Democratic strategies going into the 2022 midterms. Should Republicans distance themselves from Trumpism but run on his policies and culture war issues? Should Democrats focus on Trump or on policy? Currently, Youngkin has said that Biden is the legitimate president and has criticized the January 6th riots, yet he has focused on Critical Race Theory, attacks on school boards, and mask mandates.

 

• According to early polls (CNBC/Suffolk University), at least 667,012 Virginians have submitted early ballots and they are currently in favor of McAuliffe. However, Trump’s conspiracies around voting by mail may lead to many Republicans on the day of the election. Suffolk University, as of Monday, has each candidate receiving an identical 45% in support. 

 

• Virginia sued the US Postal Service a few days ago over potential delays of election material, including ballots. These issues have been in three counties that went to Biden in the 2020 election. Alex worries that the USPS Board of Governors, which is run by Trump’s pick, Louis DeJoy, has gutted the post office and this has led to these delays. This may not impact the election on Tuesday, but these voting by mail issues need to be addressed.

 

• Both sides in this election have voiced worries of voter fraud or at least, irregularities. Alex worries that voicing concerns over “fraud” may be a new playbook that could corrupt both sides.