Spanberger casts ballot at busy Deep Run precinct

The sound of squeaky, rain-covered shoes echoed throughout Deep Run High School’s auxiliary gymnasium as 7th Congressional District voters filed in to cast their ballots Tuesday morning.

As the line of voters snaked around the linoleum floors of the gymnasium, there was an evident buzz in the precinct, especially when 7th Congressional District candidate Abigail Spanberger appeared with her three daughters in tow to vote.

Dozens of Spanberger supporters and campaign staff set up outside the precinct to greet voters as they arrived, emanating a distinct energy with posters and cheering.

“Thank you for voting!’ the supporters projected as voters exited the polls this morning. Supporters were pleasantly surprised at the turnout to the polls this year.

“That’s amazing. It’s an off-year election,” Kaje Stuckey said as she waited nearly 20 minutes to greet Spanberger after she casted her ballot.

As Spanberger walked out of the precinct, she was greeted by supporters with cheers, hugs and photographs. Spanberger's schedule will take her to a select number of the more than 200 precincts in the district, she said.

“We’re going to be dropping in and talking to voters on their way into the polls,” Spanberger said. “I think people are excited to be engaged in the process.”

Healthcare, jobs and education were among the issues she thought were bringing voters out to the polls today.

“More than that, it’s about using our voices and being involved in politics and standing up for what’s important to people,” Spanberger said.

For some voters, specific issues provided the impetus to visit the polls today. For others, it's just standard practice.

“I always vote,” a 7th Congressional District voter said. “On my way into work, I vote.”