By Amir Vera
Capital News Service
Richmond, Va. — Delegate Richard Anderson of Woodbridge is glad fellow Republican officials have abandoned a proposed requirement that voters sign a “loyalty oath” before casting ballots in the party’s March 6 presidential primary election.
Initially, the GOP planned to require primary voters to sign a pledge to support the Republican presidential nominee in November’s general election, no matter who that might be.
Anderson opposed that requirement.
“My major concern is that a lot of Republicans are upset by that and it will have a chilling effect on participation in the Republican primary,” he said. “There will be people who don’t vote in the primary if they have to sign a loyalty oath to the Republican Party. They’ll just wait until November and vote in the general election.”
Anderson said his constituents in House District 51, which includes part of Prince William County, approached him at different events and complained about the oath.
“The common comment that I’ve received from people is they felt like they were being pressured about the way they cast their vote,” Anderson said. “I just feel that in a free society that it’s not appropriate to ask somebody to comply with some kind of prerequisite before they do a simple but important thing – and that’s cast their ballot.”
Because of that pressure, the Republican Party of Virginia decided this week to drop the proposed loyalty oath.
“We informally polled the GOP State Central Committee over the past week and there was an overwhelming and near unanimous feeling that we should rescind the loyalty oath,” party Chairman Pat Mullins wrote Tuesday on Facebook.
“The Executive Committee of RPV voted last night unanimously to have me inform the State Board of Elections, that having heard from nearly all members of the GOP State Central Committee, that we would have an overwhelming majority vote to rescind the ‘loyalty oath.’ ”
The committee was scheduled to confirm that decision at a meeting Saturday in Richmond.
While Anderson disliked the proposed oath, he said the intent was understandable: The objective was to ensure that Republicans would vote in the GOP primary and Democrats would vote in the Democratic primary.
Under existing state law, anyone can vote in either primary (but not both primaries) during a particular year.
As a result, Anderson said, there have been instances in which Democrats voted in the Republican primaries, and vice versa, to nominate a weaker candidate and undercut the rival party.
Anderson has proposed legislation that he believes would prevent such sabotage.
Under House Bill 1051, Virginians would designate their party affiliation when they register to vote. Virginians who don’t identify with any party would be considered independents.
Then, each state party organization would decide who could vote in its primary elections. Under HB 1051, the party could declare that the primary is:
- “Open only to qualified voters who are registered as being affiliated with the political party”; or
- “Open to qualified voters who are registered as being affiliated with the political party and to qualified voters who are registered as independents”; or
- “Open to all qualified voters”
The party also could decide that the primary is “closed to qualified voters who have participated in another party’s primary within a stated period of time.”
The bill would help ensure that only registered Republicans vote in GOP primaries and only registered Democrats in Democratic primaries.
“I just think it keeps everyone clean and honest on both sides,” Anderson said.
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Kings Dominion, the popular amusement park near Richmond, has announced that it will not be hosting its annual Winterfest event for 2025, despite earlier assurances to season pass holders. WinterFest, a festive holiday event that traditionally featured a dazzling light show, live performances, a petting zoo, and the opportunity to ride the park’s signature roller coasters, has been a seasonal favorite for years.
The cancellation, confirmed by WWBT-TV, comes after the event mysteriously did not appear on the park’s annual event schedule, which was released on Wednesday, January 29. Initially, Kings Dominion promised that admission to WinterFest would be included with the purchase of a 2025 season pass. The sudden absence of the event raised concerns among fans, prompting the park to address the matter publicly.
The ongoing debate over the construction of data centers in Fredericksburg took center stage during the City Council meeting on January 28, 2025, with residents and council members expressing mounting concerns about the potential environmental consequences and the lack of transparency in the approval process.
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Stafford County, one of Virginia’s fastest-growing localities, has seen student enrollment grow from about 2,000 students to 32,000 students—19.2% of the county’s total population. With a projected increase of 6,200 students over the next decade, SCPS says it needs to meet the rising demand for educational resources, staff, and facilities. As the county’s largest employer, with over 5,400 employees, the school division is integral to the community’s economic and social fabric, underscoring the need for investment in education.
“The future of Stafford County is being shaped in our classrooms,” Smith told the school board. However, with this growth comes the increasing need for additional support, especially for students with disabilities and English learners.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
