In-person voting for the 2024 US presidential election begins Friday in three states — Virginia, South Dakota, and Minnesota, the home state of Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz.

Virginia voters are beginning to cast their ballots in a contentious presidential election year, with several competitive congressional races on the ballot. Here’s what to know about the Nov. 5 election as early voting begins in the state.

Across the country, local election directors are beefing up their security to keep their workers and polling places safe while also ensuring that ballots and voting procedures won’t be tampered with.