Sample ballots abound as Election Day begins in Richmond

In-person voting in Richmond opened with pre-dawn lines across the city, as candidates stationed themselves in front of key precincts in the hopes of winning last-minute votes.

A presidential election drives big turnout, but the impact of Tuesday's vote will be felt for the next four years across the city of Richmond, which will elect a new Mayor, City Council and School Board.

Here's what we saw on Tuesday morning...

Sample ballots aim to sway

Because the Democratic Party did not endorse a candidate for mayor, it's a label all five candidates can run on if they so choose.

A number of candidates were handing out "sample ballots," seeking to tie their candidacy to that of Kamala Harris and Tim Kaine, who are expected to cruise to easy victories inside Richmond City.

During an early tour of four polling sites, Harrison Roday and Michelle Mosby's representatives were offering sample ballots, while Andreas Addison and Danny Avula's representatives were handing out literature about the candidate and his position.

Update: Avula's camp is also distributing sample ballots at other precincts.

Roday's sample ballot received scrutiny because it has the "paid for" disclaimer on the back, instead of the front, but it meets all official guidelines.

In the 6th District, the Richmond Crusade for Voters was also distributing a sample ballot for Roday.

Meanwhile, Mosby aligned herself with a handful of female City Council candidates on a ballot labeled "Women for Richmond."

In the 6th District, longtime incumbent Ellen Robertson's sample ballot listed Mosby for mayor.

In the 4th District, a sample ballot for school board candidate Garrett Sawyer did not make a selection for mayor - only listing Sawyer alongside Harris, Kaine and Rep. Jennifer McClellan.

Each of those sample ballots had the "paid for" disclaimer on the front of the ballot.

Candidates out and about

Longtime City Council representative Cynthia Newbille was checking on volunteers at Main Street Station, while Andreas Addison's team was preparing for a candidate appearance in the 4th District, at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church.

At Blackwell Elementary in Richmond's 8th District, there was less activity. Addison, Mosby and Roday had a signage presence, but no personnel on site.

The polls will remain open until 7 p.m. tonight, and anybody in line at that time is allowed to vote.

The Richmonder will have complete coverage, including live results, all night at Richmonder.org.