Watch the Digital Desk with Benjamin Melusky, Ph.D. in the video player.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Election day is now two months away on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Old Dominion University Associate Professor Benjamin Melusky, Ph.D. joined the Digital Desk to discuss what’s to come. Watch the segment in the video player on this page.
“We’re in to the final sprint here,” said Melusky.
In terms of the presidential race, Melusky said the final days will be spent in action.
“So we’re going to see a lot of burndown going on in their campaign funds over the next two months,” said Melusky. “Prepare yourself the ads are coming, if you haven’t already seen them.”
Melusky expects there will be a lot more people out on the campaign trail across the country in support of both candidates.
That is already happening in Hampton Roads. Over Labor Day weekend, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff spoke at Bobby Scott’s annual Labor Day cookout.
The public will be able to hear from the presidential candidates in their first presidential debate. On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the debate is scheduled between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Melusky said across the board, we will see topics around the main issues our country is facing.
“It’s going to be the economy, it’s going to be focused on foreign affairs, it’s going to be focused on domestic protections, it’s going to be focused on social issues, like gun control and abortion,” said Melusky.
Those issues, Melusky said, are top tier issues of the public.
“It’s giving a chance, for now, this new presidential candidate to lay out her vision and at the same time it allows Trump to continue to layout his vision, attack Kamala, for basically being part of the current administration and trying to hold her to that,” said Melusky.
Early voting in the Commonwealth begins shortly after that on Friday, Sept. 20. In North Carolina, early voting begins on Thursday, Oct. 17.
In both states there are federal and local elections taking place.
In Hampton Roads, Melusky said one race to watch is the race for Virginia’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The race is between incumbent Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R) and Missy Cotter Smasal (D).
In North Carolina, some of the big state elections include Governor and Attorney General.
Stay updated on election news from Your Local Election Headquarters.
Watch the full Digital Desk segment to hear more about what’s to come in the lead up to the election.