Virginia voters are beginning to cast their ballots in a contentious presidential election year, with several competitive congressional races on the ballot. Here’s what to know about the Nov. 5 election as early voting begins in the state.

Starting Friday, voters across Virginia can begin casting their ballots in this year’s critical elections for the White House, a U.S. Senate seat, and the state’s 11 congressional districts that will not only impact the future of the commonwealth but also help shape next year’s gubernatorial race.

Election Day is in November, but early voting starts this week in Virginia. Why it matters: The presidential race is getting all the headlines, but Richmonders also vote this year in Congressional races,

Senator Aaron Rouse is chairman of the committee that oversees voting laws in Virginia, and he says Democrats will continue to reject Republican efforts to roll back early voting. "It's very hypocritical for Republicans to bring bills forward in the General Assembly and actually sign on to bills that would restrict the number of early voting days,