A long-shot congressional challenger in Virginia is so determined to debate the Democratic incumbent one more time that he created an AI chatbot to stand in for the candidate in case he's a no-show.

The big picture: The National Voter Registration Act has become a flashpoint ahead of the 2024 general election, with states like Alabama, Georgia, and now Virginia, facing allegations of purging voters from rolls.

Independent Virginia House candidate Bentley Hensel created a chatbot using artificial intelligence to mimic his opponent in a debate.

The Wason Center for Civic Leadership at Christopher Newport University surveyed 800 Virginia voters last week. Those results were released Monday.

A new poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Donald Trump 52% to 41% among likely Virginia voters — and a 20% edge for Sen. Tim Kaine over Republican Hung Cao.

GILES, Va. – Early voting is still taking place despite areas in Southwest Virginia hit hard by Helene. Giles County said they are ready for the Presidential Election in November. The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported.

Early voting locations in Southwest Virginia, which was hit hard by Hurricane Helene last weekend, are up and running after a few setbacks.

A long-shot congressional challenger in Virginia is so determined to debate the Democratic incumbent one more time that he created an AI chatbot to stand in for the candidate in case he's a no-show. Less than a month from election day,

The survey shows Vice President Kamala Harris up by 11 percentage points over former President Donald Trump and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., up by 20 percentage points over Hung Cao.

For all early voting and ballot dropbox information, voters are encouraged to contact the general registrar's office. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. during early voting, and you do not have to have a reason or fill out an application to vote early.

Republican Hung Cao, vying for Virginia's Senate seat, believes he can flip it red and stands by his controversial remarks on military training.