Perriello Joins Students for Run to the Polls
Former University president Jim Ryan and candidate Tom Perriello led students to cast early ballots at City Hall.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Elections
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Democratic congressional candidate Tom Perriello and former University president Jim Ryan led a student-run event to Charlottesville City Hall to cast early ballots. The initiative aimed to boost voter turnout among students ahead of the November election.
Why it matters
The event was organized by the University Democrats in partnership with the Perriello campaign to encourage student participation in the democratic process. Organizers focused on increasing student registration and early voting activity in Charlottesville.
Virginia's 5th Congressional District includes the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Voters in this district are also considering three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution.
The players
Tom Perriello
He is the Democratic nominee for Virginia's 5th Congressional District.
Jim Ryan
He is a former president of the University of Virginia.
John McGuire
He is the incumbent Republican representative for the 5th Congressional District.
Cooke Harvey
He is an independent candidate running for the 5th Congressional District seat.
The details
Participants wore race-style numbered bibs provided by the Perriello campaign as they jogged from the University Rotunda to the Downtown Mall. The run, which began at 8 a.m., highlighted the campaign's push for student engagement in the district race against incumbent Rep. John McGuire and independent candidate Cooke Harvey.
Timeline
The Run to the Polls event took place on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Election Day is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
This campaign outreach effort coincides with the ballot inclusion of three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. Opposition parties and advocacy groups often criticize such mobilization tactics, arguing that university-led registration efforts may unfairly skew local election results.
The event may result in increased pedestrian traffic near the Downtown Mall and higher early voting volume at City Hall. Residents should anticipate localized activity as campaigns intensify outreach efforts leading up to the November 3 deadline.
The takeaway
Voter turnout initiatives like the Run to the Polls emphasize the role of campaign-led events in driving civic engagement within student populations. Eligible voters are encouraged to confirm their polling place information ahead of the upcoming election date.
What happens next
General election voting will conclude on November 3, 2026, across the 5th District.
Further reading
For more information on the current race, visit Charlottesville Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Crossword -- January 29 - The Cavalier Daily - University of Virginia's Student Newspaper.
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Should university organizations actively partner with political campaigns to encourage student voter turnout?
