Letter: A Path Away from Costly Elections – Why I Voted Early

The following is a letter to the editor submitted by Trudy McRea of Reston.

Thank you for keeping election news and voting details up to date in the Patch. It's an important service, especially this year with record breaking election spending.

Subscribe

I voted early – last week. To me, voting early shows I'm not swayed by the flood of ads coming our way through social media, texts and mailers. This barrage, fueled by excessive spending, leaves many in our community feeling divided when we'd be better off working together.

According to recent Federal Election Commission data, candidates nationwide have spent more than $2.8 billion on the 2026 midterms, including over $19 million in Virginia. Concern about this crosses party lines: Pew found that 74% of Americans, including 70% of Republicans and 79% of Democrats, consider the role of money in politics a very big problem.

The good news is that voters are making progress. For decades, court rulings have tied lawmakers' hands on election spending, but a cross-partisan solution is gaining momentum. H.J. Res. 191, is now before Congress with support from both Republicans and Democrats. It would restore the authority of voters and our elected representatives to set reasonable rules for money in elections. Virginia has called on Congress to support an amendment solution, joining 24 other states. Each new state and co-sponsor brings us closer to elections that answer to voters, not donors.

As an informed citizen and a 30 year Reston resident, I can think of better uses for that money: feeding families, expanding health coverage, investing in education. Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike would rather see money make a difference in their neighbors' lives. Don't let another election season leave our voices drowned out by elite donors. Learn more about the proposed amendment and urge your elected representatives to take action.
Sincerely yours,

Trudy McCrea
Reston