Voting Underway in Virginia Primary Elections

Voting is underway for primary elections across Virginia. 

There are 18 contested legislative elections Tuesday. The closest watched is GOP House Speaker William J. Howell's run for re-election.

Howell is facing off against Susan Stimpson. The tea party favorite is a former political protégé of Howell's who says the speaker has become too cozy with special interests.

Howell has a large financial advantage over Stimpson, but she's received help from outside anti-tax and pro-gun groups that have attacked the speaker.

There's also keen interest in a handful of Senate primaries, including a four-way GOP battle in Henrico County for retiring Sen. Walter Stosch's seat.

Polls close at 7 p.m. Voters can find their polling locations at elections.virginia.gov.