In Culpeper, outcome is anyone’s guess

As Culpeper heads to the polls today, the county is in the throes of a seemingly newfound political energy.

Voter registration numbers have swelled, more than 2,500 absentee ballots have been cast, polling places are expecting huge turnouts — and BBC America will be broadcasting live downtown.

Indeed, the excitement surrounding today’s election has reached a fever pitch.

Putting it all into perspective, consider that a recent poll has John McCain with a lead of 0.3 percentage points over Barack Obama among Culpeper County’s registered voters.

Will that razor-thin margin hold up? Will traditionally conservative Culpeper vote for a Democrat?

We’ll find out tonight.

Overshadowed in all of this are two other races (and a local referendum) on today’s ballot: In the U.S. Senate race, former governors Mark Warner and Jim Gilmore are vying to replace John Warner. In the U.S. House race, four-term incumbent Republican Eric Cantor is going up against Democrat Anita Hartke. Finally, Culpeper County is again trying to pass a 4 percent meals tax.

Sure is a lot at stake. See you at the polls.

As a voter, you have the right:

» To vote if you have registered at your current address at least 29 days before Election Day.

» To receive help from election officials if you are unsure about anything in the voting process.

» To be given a demonstration of voting equipment.

» To have your vote voided (once) before it is cast if you think you voted incorrectly.

» To enter the name of a write-in candidate if the candidate of your choice is not on the ballot.

» To have a ballot brought to your vehicle if you are 65 years of age or older or disabled.

» To have an election official or other person help you vote if you are disabled or unable to read or write. The helper may not try to influence your vote and may not, in any way, tell others how you voted.

» To vote, even if you have no ID with you, by signing an Affirmation of Identity form.

» To vote a provisional ballot if your status as a qualified voter is in question.

» To bring your minor child, 15 or younger, into the booth.

» To vote if in line by 7 p.m.

» To not be denied the right to vote if you are eligible.

Where to vote

West Fairfax
Culpeper United Methodist Church, 1233 Oaklawn Drive
East Fairfax
Culpeper County Library, 271 Southgate Shopping Center
Catalpa
Eggbornsville: Emerald Hill Elementary, 11245 Rixeyville Road
Cardova: Culpeper County High School, 14240 Achievement Drive
Salem
Eldorado: Salem Vol. Fire Dept., 8279 Sperryville Pike
Browns Store: Reva Vol. Fire Dept., 18230 Birmingham Road
Jefferson
Jeffersonton: Jeffersonton Center, 5073 Jeffersonton Road
Rixeyville: Hazel River Assembly of God, 14383 Hazel River Church Road
Cedar Mountain District
Mitchells: Mitchells Presbyterian Church, 12229 Mitchells Road
Pearl Sample: Pearl Sample Elementary School, 18480 Simms Drive
Stevensburg District
Brandy Station: Brandy Station Fire Department, 19601 Church Street
Lignum: Hopewell Methodist Church, 23557 Lignum Road
Richardsville: Richardsville Fire Hall, 29361 Eleys Ford Road

» Polls are open from
6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

On the ballot
President / VP
Democratic Party: Barack Obama / Joe Biden
Republican Party: John McCain / Sarah Palin
Indep. Green Party: Chuck Baldwin / Darrell L. Castle
Libertarian Party: Bob Barr / Wayne A. Root
Green Party: Cynthia McKinney / Rosa Clemente
Independent: Ralph Nader / Matt Gonzalez

U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
James S. “Jim” Gilmore III (R)
Glenda Gail Parker (IG)
William B. Redpath (L)

U.S. HOUSE OF REP.
Anita Hartke (D)
Eric I. Cantor (R)

FOOD AND BEVERAGE TAX
QUESTION: Shall Culpeper County levy a tax within Culpeper County, but not including the Town of Culpeper, on food and beverages for human consumption sold by restaurants and other establishments set forth by the Code of Virginia, not to exceed four percent of the amount charged for such food and beverages?
YES or NO

More coverage
Online
» StarExponent.com: Updates from polls
» Real-time results: sbe.virginia.gov/cms/
In print
» Next-day analysis:Local stories,
commentary and photos in tomorrow’s CSE.
On TV
» Brits cover Culpeper: BBC America broadcasts live from Culpeper this evening.