Polls have shown Democrat Terry McAuliffe leading Republican Ken Cuccinelli, the state's attorney general, in the governor's race. Libertarian Robert Sarvis could help future candidates from his party get on the ballot if he gets at least 10 percent.

Compare results in the governor's race toin each city and county

50% 70% McAuliffe Cuccinelli Sarvis

Virginia has become a battleground state in recent presidential elections. President Barack Obama won the state last year , with 51 percent to Mitt Romney's 47.3 percent.

In the 2009 election, Republican Bob McDonnell defeated Democrat Creigh Deeds, winning 59 percent of the vote. McDonnell is now embroiled in a scandal over undisclosed gifts . Governors in Virginia cannot serve consecutive terms.

Voters in Virginia's 10 densest cities and counties — six of which are in Northern Virginia — supported President Barack Obama last year.

Areas where white residents make up a smaller share of the population tended to favor President Barack Obama more heavily in last year's election.