Ahead of primaries, Floyd officials stress election integrity amid low turnout
Kitchen said that as of July 28, “voter turnout has been really low” with a total of 463 early votes. Of those ballots, 263 had been cast in-person at the courthouse, and 200 were mail-in ballots.
Floyd County Electoral Board Chairman Paul Kitchen addressed the local Board of Supervisors this week ahead of the Aug. 4 Dual Primaries to discuss how Floyd’s elections are kept safe, secure, fair, and accurate.
Kitchen said that as of July 28, “voter turnout has been really low” with a total of 463 early votes. Of those ballots, 263 had been cast in-person at the courthouse, and 200 were mail-in ballots.
Floyd County Registrar Sarah Campbell noted on Wednesday that there were 20 voters during the first Sunday the Registrar’s Office was open for early voting and 17 on the second Sunday.
During the April 2026 Special Election, there were exponentially more early voters, a total of 3,120.
In regard to election integrity, Kitchen said Virginia has one of the “most robust management procedures and systems in the entire country,” largely due to officials and offices keeping “every bit of evidence,” including physical paper ballots. Officials take “such great care to make sure that they are protected and secure” and to have them on-hand for any needed backup audits, Kitchen said.
The process of ensuring secure, and accurate elections, Kitchen said, “begins with people,” like the election officers you see at polling places. “They’re our friends, they’re our neighbors, and they’re committed” to the process, which includes detailed training and taking an oath of office.
The early voting period ends on Saturday, Aug. 1. Vote at the Floyd County Courthouse between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Polling places are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Election Day (Aug. 4).
Kitchen said transparency is the most important aspect of election officials’ work. “We invite the political parties to come and observe everything that we do,” including electoral board meetings, pre-election equipment testing, and election day observers.
“We have a great team in Floyd and across the state of Virginia,” Kitchen said. “I’m really proud to be part of the election process.”
Next week’s election revolves around choosing the official Republican and Democratic candidates for November’s Senate and House of Representatives race.
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Adam Murphy (D) and Douglas Crockett (D) also responded to specific questions sent to each candidate from Floyd Times. Both men are hoping to win the Democratic nomination to run against incumbent Morgan Griffith (R) to represent Virginia’s 9th District in the House.
Murphy explained his “21st Century New Deal” platform and said he has been to Floyd many times. As he and his wife live in Roanoke County, Murphy said they visit regularly, and his campaign has held events in Floyd, such as meet and greets, canvassing, and more, since launching his campaign in May 2025.
“I built my platform in collaboration with the residents of the 9th, not with political consultants. We are an entirely volunteer-based campaign focused on making positive change,” Murphy said. “My campaign is focused on fighting for a future we all deserve, not a future that leaves everyone but the 1% behind.”
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Crockett said he has long been acquainted with Floyd County, having grown up as a native Southwest Virginian in Wythe County. Crockett said he is running to represent all 23 counties and five cities throughout the 9th District. “While each is different, they all share similar strengths and areas of concern,” he said.
Crockett went on to explain, “My goal has always been to win the general election and help the region move toward lasting prosperity… My message has been one of unity. I believe that Democrats and Republicans must learn to work together to achieve lasting prosperity. I believe working together is possible.”
For more information about voting in Floyd County, visit www.votefloydva.gov.
Should other candidates reply to Floyd Times’ inquiries before Tuesday, their responses will be added to this article.
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