NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — What's driving voters to cast their ballots this election? "Well, 2024, from a lot of polling, we find that a lot of American citizens are really looking for a change," said Norfolk State University Professor and Political Analyst Dr. Eric Claville. In the presidential race, change may be harder to find. With a former president and current vice president running, people pretty much know what they're going to get, leading some to cast a vote not for, but against a candidate. "We've heard them say they're not voting for Democrats, they are voting for democracy because of what they believe the other candidate on their side stands for," Claville said. In Virginia's Senate race, newcomer, Republican Hung Cao, would offer change. Democrat Tim Kaine has been in that seat for 11 years. But what kind of change would Cao bring? Little is known about him ahead of the debate, other than he has the endorsement of former President Trump. "Others are inclined to vote for him because of his military status and his service to the country," Claville said. When it comes to young voters, Claville said race and gender are a driving factor for some. "There's a very large bloc of female voters, women voters that are out there that are really excited about the opportunity to see a woman in the top office," Claville said. However, he said policy is primarily what's propelling people, whether it be abortion and IVF, the economy and job market, or safety and foreign policy as voters pay attention to the growing war in the Middle East. Come Wednesday, Claville said the Senate candidates must be ready to speak directly to Virginia voters on a community level. "What are the safety and military issues in Hampton Roads? What are the economic issues and growth that we should see in in Northern Virginia?" You can watch that debate at 7 p.m. Wednesday night, Oct. 2 on WAVY-TV 10.