Virginia Democrats Say There Is Strong Turnout But Reports From Field Suggest Otherwise

We've been hearing all day about low turnout in Virginia, with no lines and fewer ballots turned in at this point in the day than one year ago when there was record participation.

But gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds, who is banking everything on turnout, is telling people otherwise.

Deeds Campaign Manager Joe Abbey tells reporters in an email:

"We are seeing encouraging numbers in key parts of the state. Northern and Central Virginia in particular look strong. The Charlottesville area, which includes areas represented by Creigh Deeds in the state Senate is particularly strong and 10 percent of voters in key Democratic precincts had already voted by 10 AM. Meanwhile, voters in the populous and Democratic precincts of Alexandria and Arlington have been voting at rates well above the average in other parts of the Commonwealth."

That runs counters to reader emails and the Twitter feeds we've been monitoring today.

In one example, Reader ZM tells us things look "weak" in Norfolk.

"There are a grand total of FIVE people making GOTV calls for Deeds in NORFOLK. FIVE. Their field operation is looking WEAK. Any hope of mass turnout is not looking good at this moment. I don't think this has anything to do with Obama. I repeat FIVE people total. Election day GOTV has to do with your field operation and Deeds' is not looking too strong. The narrative that the media will create will be, McDonnell crushing Deeds, is somehow a referendum on Obama, but to me it just looks like he didn't have a well oiled campaign operation. If Obama taught us anything last year it's that organization on the ground makes a huge difference."

McDonnell texted voters this morning: "Good Morning Bob McDonnell Supporters! Polls are now open, so don't forget to get out there and vote today! For info on where to vote ..."

Later in the day, Deeds texted, "If you haven't voted already, make sure to head over to the polls during lunch time! Find your local polling location here ... "

Late update: Abbey sent an update at 3 p.m.:

"Our afternoon reports have shown that Charlottesville continues to be a bright spot for Deeds turnout today, with numbers running way ahead of targets. Democratic turnout has surged in Roanoke over the past several hours and we are hitting our targets in Democratic precincts in that market. And turnout continue to look strong in key precincts in Northern Virginia."

The Deeds camp also sent us video of him casting his ballot today: