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One week before Election Day, Virginia’s congressional races are still hard to read. The state has just three usable polls: one each in the 1st, 2nd and 5th districts, and all are weeks old. They put Democrats Shannon Taylor and Elaine Luria slightly ahead of Republican incumbents Rob Wittman and Jen Kiggans, while Republican John McGuire holds a slight edge over Democrat Tom Perriello. Those snapshots are already dated. With little fresh public polling, the campaigns’ internal numbers may offer a clearer picture than the public has — but they aren’t public. Pulaski and Amherst County voters will decide whether their communities should have a Rosie’s Gaming Emporium. Existing facilities in Vinton and Collinsville offer slot-style games based on a horse-racing algorithm. Since opening in 2019, Vinton’s Rosie’s has brought the town $10 million in pari-mutuel tax revenue; Collinsville’s facility has generated $865,000 for Henry County since 2021. Vinton’s 500 terminals draw 25,000 to 38,000 visitors a month, while Collinsville’s fewer than 50 terminals bring in about 5,000. Vinton has put more than $8 million toward capital improvements, from parks and greenways to stormwater infrastructure. But gaming facilities also raise concerns about crime, gambling and addiction. Wythe County voters will decide whether to add a 1% sales tax to help fund more than $72 million in school construction and renovation. The county’s Republican and Democratic parties have both endorsed the proposal, which could generate an estimated $5 million to $6 million a year. Potential projects include renovations at Spiller Elementary and Fort Chiswell High, athletic field improvements, and roof and chiller repairs across the school division. Wythe is among 47 Virginia localities asking voters to consider the tax, a funding option made available statewide in the 2026 budget. The shared endorsement comes with a reminder from both parties: weigh the costs and benefits, then make an informed decision. Plans for an Islamic community center in downtown Norton have prompted sharp objections at City Council — but the project has not been approved by city officials. The Islamic Leadership Institute of America wants to use the former Bank of America building at 702 Park Ave. NW. City officials say the property is zoned for several uses, including churches, and that they will apply zoning and building-occupancy rules. More than a dozen residents spoke against the plan at an Oct. 20 meeting, while another speaker criticized what he called misinformation about Islam. A community meeting is scheduled for Tuesday; the institute says its open-house location will be shared with people who register. Virginia’s 5th Congressional District has moved into toss-up territory. The Democratic and Republican national campaign committees have both bought TV time in the race between incumbent John McGuire and Democrat Tom Perriello. Perriello, who represented a previous version of the district in 2009-10, entered the final month with twice McGuire’s cash on hand. Early voting is up 15.2% across the district compared with last year, with larger increases in Democratic-leaning areas: 39.8% in Charlottesville, 34.7% in Danville and 24.3% in Albemarle County. In Goochland and Powhatan counties, early voting is slightly down. The district has voted Republican in its current form — but both parties are now spending to compete.

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