The Races on Your Ballot, Explained.

The U.S. Senate is one of Congress’s two chambers (the other being the U.S. House of Representatives). Its legislative body is composed of 100 members, with 2 members representing each of the fifty U.S states. The U.S. Senate votes on government legislation (referred to as “bills”), approves or rejects treaties initiated by the U.S. President, confirms federal appointments, and oversees the executive branch and federal budget.

The U.S. House of Representatives is one of Congress’s two chambers (the other being the U.S. Senate). Its legislative body is composed of 435 members, each representing a discrete geographic district within a state. Virginia has 11 congressional districts. The U.S House initiates government legislation (referred to as “bills”), is one of the legislative bodies that votes on said legislation, has the exclusive power of initiating bills that raise or lower revenue (ie. taxes), has oversight over Federal Agencies, and has specific electoral duties.

As the chief executive of the state, the governor's office is the single most powerful position in Virginia. A Governor can drive the legislative process, sign or veto bills, command the Virginia National Guard, and grant pardons, among other powers. Virginia's constitution prohibits governors from serving consecutive terms.

If the Governor is the President of Virginia, the Lieutenant Governor is the Vice President. In Virginia, we elect this office separately. The Lieutenant Governor serves as the president of the State Senate and can vote to break ties in that chamber. If the Governor leaves office, the Lieutenant Governor becomes the Governor.

The Office of the Attorney General represents the legal interests of the people of Virginia, as well as the agencies, boards, and commissions of our state government. The Attorney General has the authority to conduct or assist in criminal investigations, defend against criminal convictions on appeal, and enforce specific state laws.

The Virginia State Senate is the Upper House in the Virginia General Assembly which comprises the Senate and the House. The State Senate works alongside Virginia’s governor and the House of Delegates to create laws and establish a state budget.

The Virginia House of Delegates is the Lower House in the Virginia General Assembly, which is comprised of the Senate and the House. Delegates can introduce and vote on bills brought before the chamber.

Referred to as a district attorney in other states, a Commonwealth's Attorney prosecutes crimes committed under the Code of Virginia for a specific locality, such as a county or city. They also act as a legal advisor to the Sheriff and the Police Department.

A Sheriff's Office is responsible for public safety in its respective locality. Specific duties include operating prisons, courthouse security, serving legal documents, executing court orders, and transporting prisoners.

A Treasurer manages all public monies for their municipality. They are in charge of collecting taxes and disbursing public funds.

A Mayor is the elected executive for a specific municipality. The Mayor often oversees and appoints leadership for departments such as fire and public safety, public works, and emergency services. The mayor also manages the city's budget, appoints city officials, and approves or vetoes legislation passed by the city's council. In addition, the mayor promotes the city's economic development.

A council member serves on a legislative body that can set, amend, or repeal local laws, set the city budget, and oversee city operations.

A board of supervisors is a body that oversees the operation of government at the county level. Supervisors pass resolutions and ordinances, approve the budget, set local tax rates, approve land use plans, and make appointments to various positions.

The School Board is a group of elected leaders that establishes the goals for local public schools. The board and its members establish standards for school performance, develop educational policies, allocate budgets, and appoint a Superintendent.

The Commissioner of Revenue is the chief tax assessing officer for their locality. That means they are responsible for enforcing state and local tax laws, receiving and auditing state and local tax returns, and assisting taxpayers with filings.