E lection offices in the Richmond area are preparing for potentially high turnout Friday on the first day of early voting, with a number of local residents featured on the statewide ballot and a historic contest that will determine the first woman elected governor in Virginia history.

In addition to the statewide contests for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, all 100 seats in the House of Delegates are up for election.

During this year’s General Assembly session, Democrats held a 51-49 edge in the House. The seat in one strong GOP district is now vacant with the resignation of former House Speaker Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah.

Both candidates for governor — Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee, will make Richmond-area ap

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