Virginia: GOP and Dems to hold simultaneous primaries
The Washington Post reports: For the first time in nearly two decades, Virginians will be presented with the following choice when they walk into their polling places Tuesday: Do they want a Democratic or a Republican ballot?
The last time the two major parties held a statewide primary on the same day was in 1988. In Virginia, voters do not register as Republicans or Democrats and may choose to vote in either party's primary -- but not both.
The answers voters give when asked which ballot they want will dictate who they can vote for and might shape the results of close elections where middle-of-the-road candidates are hoping to draw support from independents and supporters of the other party.
Larry J. Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, said centrist Republican lawmakers battling conservative challengers may get fewer Democrats voting for them because of the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. -- Va. Voters Must Choose Between Parties