NOT EVERYONE IN THE REGION will use the same method to vote. All cities and counties must follow the same rules when it comes to who can vote, what identification voters must bring, and voting  times and deadlines. But the voting equipment varies. For example, two types of touch-screen systems are used in our region.

By Bob Lewis

RICHMOND, Va.

The latest campaign finance reports filed in Virginia's governor's race show that large sums of cash from political action committees - often given directly to the two candidates in amounts of $500,000 or more - are becoming increasingly common. 

Chesapeake (757) 277-9797; www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/vot-reg/index.shtml

Norfolk (757) 664-4353; www.norfolk.gov/elections/ Portsmouth (757) 393-8644; www.portsmouthva.gov/registrar/ Suffolk (757) 514-7750; www.suffolk.va.us/registrar/ Virginia Beach (757) 385-8683; www.vbgov.com/dept/voter  

Curbside voting is available for people ages 65 and older, or any person with a disability in accordance with the Help America Vote Act.

Voters are required to show identification or – under oath – sign an affirmation form provided by an election officer.  Acceptable forms of identification include:  - Virginia voter identification card  - Valid Virginia driver’s license  - Military ID - Any Federal, state or local government-issued ID 

CHICAGO Text of Democrat Barack Obama’s speech in Chicago after winning the presidential election, as transcribed by CQ Transcriptions:

OBAMA: Hello, Chicago.

MCCAIN: Thank you. Thank you, my friends. Thank you for coming here on this beautiful Arizona evening.

My friends, we have — we have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly.

A little while ago, I had the honor of calling Senator Barack Obama to congratulate him.

(BOOING)

Please.

Hampton Roads has been no stranger to media coverage recently, with frequent visits from all the major presidential and vice presidential candidates. Today, the national and international media will be spread out across the state to watch Virginia prove its battleground status.

VIRGINIA BEACH Eighteen years ago, a youthful lapse of judgment tagged Lecia Woodhouse with a felony conviction for credit card fraud, forgery and theft. She was sentenced to supervised release. After her sentencing, she attempted to register to vote, but her registration wasn't accepted because she was a felon.

PRE-ELECTION DAY Kelsey voted! Read her about her experience By Kelsey Quidley Teen correspondent

As I sit here and contemplate the meaning of democracy and government, it suddenly hits me that I can vote. I am about to be part of our future. It’s pretty awesome.