As of 3 p.m., 39 percent of registered voters had cast ballots in today’s election in the City of Falls Church, pointing to a high turnout for a gubernatorial race when compared with past years. In 2009, the turnout was just over 50 percent in Falls Church, and the present trend, which began noticeably to pick up its pace after 3 p.m. today, should surpass that turnout rate, veteran election observers here note. With no classes today due to a “professional day,” local high school students who are eligible to vote have also been hitting the polls.

At the Ward 3 Community Center polling place this afternoon, a crowd of candidates were greeting voters and talking intently among themselves. Among the candidates there were Tom Clinton, Cathy Kaye, Susan Kearney and Karen Oliver. Others were at the City’s two other polling locations, and par for the course has been for candidates to have continued campaigning since before the polls opened at 6 a.m. today to begin by pounding in campaign signs at the different sites.

With three local and one statewide party set tonight in this area, the candidates are not talking about flagging or going to bed early once the polls close at 7 p.m. In Falls Church, parties will be held at the Sfizi and Clare and Don restaurants and Miguel’s on Rt. 50. The Democrats’ big statewide bash is set for the Sheraton Premiere in Tyson’s Corner, where all the statewide candidates will be. The Republicans’ big party is set for Richmond.