Richmond voter guide for Tuesday's elections

Virginia will feature elections for 11 Congressional districts and one Senate seat on Tuesday. The polls will open at 6 a.m. and close promptly at 7 p.m. If you plan on voting and do not know your polling station, you can visit this site. Remember, under Virginia’s new voter ID laws, voters are required to present a photo ID prior to casting a ballot. Listed below are short bios of the candidates on the ballot for Richmond area voters, as well as an explanation of the proposed constitutional amendment to Article 6-A of Article X.

Virginia Senate Race

1) Ed W. Gillespie (Republican)

Ed Gillespie is a longtime republican strategist. He lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with his wife, Cathy, and their three children, John, Carrie and Mollie. Gillespie’s list of accomplishments include being the first chairman of the Republican National Committee in 80 years to preside over his party, winning control of the White House, House and Senate. Gillespie was also one of the principal drafters of the 1994 Contract with America that helped Republicans take control of the House after a 40-year drought. For information on where Gillespie stands on issues facing Virginians visit http://edforsenate.com/about/issues/.

2) Mark R. Warner (Democratic-Incumbent)

Former governor of Virginia Mark Warner seeks re-election for his second term in the Virginia Senate. Warner is living proof of the American dream, as he put himself through George Washington College while working and paying off student loans. He later earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School. After graduating, Warner started a small business and failed numerous times before investing early in a company that would later turn into Nextel. Warner lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife, Lisa, and their three daughters. For information on where Warner stands on issues facing Virginians visit http://markwarnerva.com/issues/.

3). Robert C. Sarvis (Libertarian)

Robert C. Sarvis first made national headlines when he ran as a third-party candidate for governor in 2013. Sarvis was able to pick up 6.52 percent of the vote in 2013, the highest vote share a third-party candidate has received in a Southern state in 50 years. Sarvis is a native Virginian and has earned degrees in mathematics from Harvard University and the University of Cambridge, as well as a J.D. from NYU School of Law and a master's in cconomics from George Mason University. Sarvis's background has allowed him to pursue careers in mobile app development, teaching and law. Sarvis lives in Annandale, Viriginia, with his wife and two children. For information on where Sarvis stands on issues facing Virginians visit http://www.robertsarvis.com/issues.

Virginia U.S. Congress District 7

1). Dave Brat (Republican)

Republican nominee Dave Brat is an Economics professor at Randolph Macon College who is famous for unseating House majority leader Eric Cantor in the 2014 June GOP primary. Brat graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary where he received a master's in divinity. He later attended American University and earned a doctorate in economics. Brat’s campaign has prided itself on searching for solutions that are grounded in ethics and economics. Brat lives in Glen Allen, Virginia, with his wife Laura and their two children, Jonathan and Sophia. For information on where Brat stands on issues facing Virginians visit http://davebrat.com/issues/.

2). Jack K. Trammell (Democratic)

Democratic challenger Jack Trammell is also a professor at Randolph Macon College.Trammell believes first and foremost in serving the people of the 7th district of Virginia. Trammell entered the race this year after growing tired of Washington gridlock. Trammell earned a doctorate at VCU and special education certification at University of Virginia. Trammell is a teacher, husband and father, whose hobbies include writing romantic and civil fiction. Jack lives in Louisa County with his wife and seven children on a small farm. For information on where Trammell stands on issues facing Virginians visit http://www.trammellforcongress.com/issues/.

3). James A. Carr, Jr. (Libertarian)

Libertarian candidate James A. Carr Jr. is a native Virginian from Sandston, Virginia. Carr worked full-time for five years while pursuing his B.B.A. in finance at The College of William and Mary. After graduating college, Carr put his career in finance on hold and acted as a manager and created a merchandising campaign for a rock band. Carr went on to work for one of the largest defense contractors in the country and now has a career in healthcare finance. Carr believes his diverse work experience will help Congress answer some of its most difficult questions, and he remains committed to fixing the government in Washington for his 4-year-old son, Declan, and twin 22-month-year-old daughters, Irelyn and Chesnee. For information on where James A. Carr, Jr. stands on issues facing Virginians visit http://www.jamescarrforcongress.org/issues.html.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment

On Election day, Virginians will be asked to vote on whether they believe surviving spouses of military members should be exempt from having to pay property taxes. Under the current law, only the principal place of residence is available for tax exemption. For more information on the proposed constitutional amendment visit: http://elections.virginia.gov/index.php/election-law/proposed-constitutional-amendment/.