Primary lesson

With Tuesday’s primary elections now in the rear view mirror, we reflect on the lesson we can take into the Nov. 3 general election.

If nothing else, Tuesday’s primaries reiterated the importance of voter turnout and how going to the polls and casting a ballot can have a significant impact.

That lesson was visible most notably in the Chesterfield GOP primary race in the 11th Senate District. Incumbent Sen. Steve H. Martin, who has served in the Virginia legislature for 27 years, was ousted in the primary by Tea Party candidate Amanda Chase.

Ms. Chase helped Tea Party candidate Dave Brat achieve his stunning primary upset victory last year over former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. He now is serving his first term in Congress.

She was outrun by Sen. Martin in terms of endorsements and money. She raised $58,959 to Sen. Martin’s $547,013.

But in the end, it came down to this: Voter turnout trumps dollars and endorsements.

Virginia’s 18 primary elections for General Assembly seats were decided by only 7.8 percent of district voters on average. In the 11th District race, only 8.4 percent of registered voters cast ballots.

The primary results speak volumes about the importance of your vote.

For our community to triumph, we must participate in each step of the democratic process, beginning with fielding candidates in party primaries or caucuses who best represent and can advocate for our interests.

Once we identify the best candidates, we must work for their election — supporting them by helping with phone banks, door-to-door canvassing and other efforts, including donations.

And most importantly, we must turn out to vote. That goes for the Nov. 3 election when all 140 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate will be up for grabs, as well as next year’s presidential election and race for Richmond mayor.

In turn, we also must hold the victor accountable for representing our interests by the strength and power of our vote.

The last day to register to vote in Virginia’s general election is Oct. 13.

Election Day will be here soon.