NORFOLK, Va. — ELECTION RESULTS: Check primary results here
Voters made their picks Tuesday in several primary contests that may help decide the balance of power in the Virginia General Assembly where Republicans currently hold a two-seat margin.
In November, all 140 seats in the General Assembly are up for election.
In the 6th Senate District, there was a Democratic primary. Incumbent Lynwood Lewis faced challenger Willie Randall.
In the 7th Senate District, Carolyn Weems faced Jennifer Kiggans in the Republican Primary. In the Democratic Primary, Del. Cheryl Turpin faced Susan Hippen and Kim Howard.
In the 91st House District, there was a Democratic Primary in which Martha Mugler faced Michael Wade.
In the 96th House District, Amanda Batten faced Melanie Rapp Beale in the Republican primary. While in the Democratic Primary, Mark Downey faced Rebecca Leser and Christopher Mayfield.
ELECTION RESULTS: Check primary results here
Election officials expected a low voter turnout, especially with history as any indicator.
In 2017, in the Republican and Democratic Primaries for governor, a total of 14.7% of registered voters voted.
In 2016, in the Republican Primary for the Second Congressional District seat, voter turnout was 10.1%.
While in 2013, for the Democratic Primaries for lieutenant governor and attorney general, the turnout was 2.8%.
"It depends upon where you live, whether it's important or not," said
Christopher Newport University political analyst Quentin Kidd. "In all fairness to Virginians, we are asked to vote far more often in Virginia that most people are asked to vote in most states."
Between municipal, state and federal elections, plus primaries and special elections, Kidd said people could vote five times in one year.
The November General and Special Election is November 5, 2019.
Kidd said voter turnout might not be as high for this primary because some people have had as many as five elections they could vote in this past year, depending on where they live.
At Windsor Woods Elementary School, we found several people insisting they wanted to exercise their civic duty by voting.
“It’s not just the presidential elections that matter, it’s the local elections that matter," said Diana Windham.
Virginia Beach locals Debbie and Jack Mathias told 13News Now "it’s not very busy, every time there’s a primary for somebody local." Still, they haven't missed the chance to cast their ballot for every election.
“I think it’s disappointing if we don’t have a large turnout," said Mathias.
Simone Newsome agreed. “I think it’s very important right now, for everyone to vote.”
Click here to learn who is your legislator.
6th Senate District (Eastern Shore, Mathews, parts of Norfolk and Virginia Beach)
Democrats:
Lynwood Lewis (incumbent)
Willie Randall
Republicans:
No candidate is on the ballot
7th Senate District (parts of Virginia Beach)
Note: This is currently Sen. Frank Wagner's district. Wagner is retiring.
Republicans:
Carolyn Weems
Jen Kiggans
Democrats:
Cheryl Turpin
Susan Hippen
Kim Howard
91st House District (parts of Hampton and Poquoson)
Note: This is currently Del. Gordon Helsel's district. Helsel is retiring.
Democrats:
Martha Mugler
Michael Wade
Republicans:
Colleen Holcomb (running unopposed)
96th House District (parts of James City and York counties)
Note: This is currently Del. Brenda Pogge's district. Pogge is retiring.
Republicans:
Amanda Batten
Melanie Rapp Beale
Democrats:
Mark Downey
Rebecca Leser
Chris Mayfield
Below is the breakdown of who ran for each seat:
Senate
The Senate of Virginia consists of 40 members. Each member is elected for a term of four years and receives an annual salary of $18,000. A Senator represents approximately 200,000 citizens of the Commonwealth. The Lieutenant Governor is the presiding officer of the Senate and is elected in a statewide election for a four-year term.
House of Delegates
The House of Delegates consists of 100 members. Each member represents approximately 80,000 citizens. The term of office for a member of the House of Delegates is two years. Each member receives an annual salary of $17,640. The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the House and is elected by the House in even-numbered years for a two-year term.
Click here to learn more about the election.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.