The 109th Virginia governor election will take place on November 4, 2025 to determine the candidate who will become the state’s 75th governor. Both the Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears and Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger hold the weight of progress on their shoulders, as the winning candidate will become the first female governor in Virginia history. If she wins the election Winsome Earle-Sears promises to continue many of the policies installed by current Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin if she wins the election. She also plans to collaborate with the Trump Administration in order to cut taxes, catch and deport illegal immigrants, and work closely with parents by withholding the power from districts to determine students’ location of education. Abigail Spanberger plans on reducing the cost of living in Virginia, lowering prescription and medical costs, keeping Virginian communities safe from violent crime, and strengthening public schools by giving more resources and money to ensure student success.
Every four years, Woodgrove seniors who have turned eighteen are granted the opportunity to participate in a governor election for the first time, and have begun the voting registration process. Senior, and first-time voter Sophie Brzozosky has become an advocate for exercising the right to vote amongst her peers, spreading awareness about the importance of the election and the candidates themselves. She explained, “I think, especially now turning 18, it’s so important that young people start exercising their civil liberties as soon as possible… As soon as we are in college, everything we’re voting for affects us. I mean, it even affects us now.”
Brzozosky has spent months researching both candidate’s platforms in order to make the most educated decision on who she will vote for. “I think a lot of times the media that we hear about is covering the whole United States. Obviously, this election is specifically for Virginia, so I think it’s important to educate yourself on those topics specifically. I’ve tried to hear sources from both liberal and conservative sides of the political spectrum, especially what the candidates are saying about themselves and about each other,” she discussed.
Unlike Brzozowsky, other seniors are feeling pressured by the responsibility of voting for the first time. Senior Lily Lins mentioned, “I’m nervous, and I feel like I’m just a little bit behind on what’s to know, I need to do my research for sure. You think you know how it goes until it’s actually coming up and then you realize, ‘wow, I have a lot to think about.’” Lins plans on making the decision to vote for the candidate who upholds her personal values. Lins explained, “I’m not a huge fan of the way our state specifically is being run right now, and I feel like there needs to be a change in many aspects of that, and I’m just hoping for a strengthened voice of the people.”
Senior Charlotte Gesell agrees that voting “seems like a big privilege, and a big responsibility,” but is also excited to participate in decisions that will affect her future. She plans on voting for the candidate that aligns with her opinions on educational issues and developments. “Because I’m about to be 18, I don’t really care too much about things like taxes and such. So the things that pertain to me most are what I’m kind of basing my voting off of,” she detailed.
When it comes to the inner-workings of the election process, Woodgrove’s Government teachers, Mrs. Diana Shea and Mr. Alex Bennet, can be considered experts. Brzozosky shared, “We’re researching current event sources, we’re learning how to read media bias, and we’re learning how to find different sources… I think Gov [Government Class] also enables us to have conversations that are actually changing our minds and without us going headfirst into everything. I think that’s really important for teenagers, because we’re very strong headed.”
Both Shea and Bennet are passionate about educating and encouraging students to participate in the voting process. Shea mentioned, “Studies have shown nationwide that civics is an area where students struggle in basic understanding of their government… So I think it’s a responsibility of us in education to inform students how the process works, so that they do become active citizens and are engaged in the process.” Both teachers mentioned that their role as Government teachers is fundamental to students, and they do not teach to push any political agenda. Bennet discussed that their teaching “should not influence one side or another, but it should influence [students] to get out there and vote.”
Only 27% of voters aged 18-29 voted in the 2021 Virginia governor election, according to the 2022 date recorded by the CIRCLE (Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement). The turnout amongst younger age groups in elections across the country is significantly lower than older age groups, most likely due to unequal opportunities and limited accessibility for voters aged 18-29. “I encourage [students] to do the research, and not just go by the political party, but to look at where the candidates stand on the issues and then vote what they feel is important.” Shea concluded.
Eligible students are encouraged to seek guidance for their voting preparation and raise the percentage of young voters who impact election results. Both Earle-Sears and Spanberger are campaigning for change in Virginia’s 2025 Governor Election, and it is up to the senior class to take their chance to participate in history.