Virgin citizens go to the polls this Tuesday to elect their first female governor, worried about the US government shutdown, which is about to become the longest in history and has a particular impact on this state.

Jim, a retired federal employee, opens the doors of his home in Arlington to The outskirts of Washington, to welcome Democratic volunteers who will encourage people to Vote just hours before the election to determine whether Virginia's next governor will be Democrat Abigail Spanberger or Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. This is one of several elections taking place this Tuesday in the United States, which also includes mayoral races in cities like New York and Miami, and a referendum to redraw electoral districts in California. The first to arrive at Jim's house, promptly at nine in the morning, is Daniel Jenkins, a young congressional intern who, due to the federal government shutdown, now has free time to join other volunteers. Jenkins regrets being one of the workers who didn't receive his first paycheck at the end of last month, one of the things that motivated him to go out and find voters, door to door. "I think the polls show that most voters blame the Republicans for the shutdown, and I think that “It will have an effect, since many Virginia residents are federal employees and many of them are out of work and not getting paid,” the young man opines. Following him is Amy, another retired government worker participating for the first time in this activity called 'canvassing,' as door-to-door campaigning is known in the US Regarding the government shutdown, Amy notes that in this state, adjacent to the federal capital, many people are affected by It, but warns that this area, Northern Virginia, is a kind of “Democratic bubble,” which doesn't necessarily reflect the mood of the entire region. However, the results of these elections could reveal a lot about where the tide is turning between Democrats and Republicans as the election enters its 35th day, matching the record set in 2018 during Donald Trump's first term. Virginia, sometimes considered a swing state, would also act as a barometer of public opinion in the lead-up to 2026. midterm elections,in which the House of Representatives and part of the US Senate will be up for recordings. Virginia will have its first female governor. The current governor of that state, Republican Glenn Youngkin, won by a narrow margin in 2021, but by law cannot be re-elected for a consecutive term. Now the race is between two women, Democrat Spanberger and Republican Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears, with the latest polls giving a clear advantage to the Democratic candidate. “Today we will make history,” she says. Jim, thrilled with the idea of ????Virginia having its first female governor.

Just outside a polling station, Elisabeth celebrates this milestone, but clarifies: “I'm not voting for her because she's a woman, but because she's good.”

Some voters have also commented on US President Donald Trump's decision not to explicitly endorse the Republican candidate, although he did support the nominee for attorney general, Jason Miyares.

“It could be because he doesn't want to be associated with a loser, but also because he prefers white blondes and men,” Jim concludes.

With information from EFE.