Important Dates and Election Information
- Deadline to Register: Tuesday, Oct. 15
- Deadline to Apply for an Absentee Ballot: Friday, Oct. 25, at 5 p.m.
- First Day of Early Voting: Friday, Sept. 20
- Last Day of Early Voting: Saturday, Nov. 2
- General Election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Quick Overview of Voting
Voter Registration
Use the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal to check your registration status.
Absentee Voting
All registered voters can vote absentee by mail, but you must apply to do so.
Early In-Person Voting
You can vote early in person at your local registrar’s office or a nearby satellite location from Friday, Sept. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 2.
Voting at the Polls
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. You need to show an acceptable form of ID, like a Virginia driver’s license, or sign an ID confirmation statement to vote.
Recent Voting Changes in Virginia
- Witness signatures are no longer required on absentee ballots under a 2023 law. Instead, voters must include the last four digits of their Social Security number and their birth year. You can use your voter ID number if you don’t have a Social Security number.
- A 2024 law requires voters to be notified of polling place changes within 30 days of an election. Previously, the notification period was 15 days. A notice must also be posted at the previous polling location.
How to Register to Vote
You can register online, by mail, or in person.
Online
Use the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal. You will need a Virginia driver’s license or state ID card, your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
By Mail
Download and complete a registration application, then mail it to your registrar’s office. You can also call your registrar’s office to request a form or pick one up at public libraries, Department of Motor Vehicles sites, armed forces recruitment offices, or other locations.
In Person
Fill out and submit an application at your registrar’s office.
The registration deadline for the general election is Tuesday, Oct. 15 — by 5 p.m. if registering in person or by 11:59 p.m. if registering online. Mailed applications must be postmarked by that date.
If you miss this deadline, you can still participate in same-day registration through Election Day.
How to Participate in Same-Day Registration
If you miss the regular registration deadline, you can sign up at an early voting site, at your registrar’s office, or at your polling place to cast a provisional ballot on Election Day. You will need to bring an acceptable form of ID, such as a current or expired Virginia driver’s license or valid U.S. passport.
Check Your Voter Registration Status
Use the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal to check your registration status.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Any registered voter can apply for an absentee-by-mail ballot without needing a specific reason.
Online
Use the Citizen Portal, or email or fax a completed application to your registrar’s office.
By Mail
Download and complete an application, then mail it to your registrar’s office. You can also call your registrar’s office to request an application.
In Person
Complete and return an application at your registrar’s office.
Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25.
If you miss the absentee application deadline due to hospitalization, illness, or the death of an immediate family member, you may apply for an emergency absentee ballot.
Military and overseas voters follow different absentee deadlines and instructions.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
Return your absentee ballot by mail or in person.
By Mail
Mail your completed ballot in the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided. Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5) and received no later than noon on Friday, Nov. 8.
In Person
Hand-deliver your ballot to your registrar’s office or any polling place in your county or city before 7 p.m. on Election Day. Check with your registrar for other ballot drop-off locations that may be available in your county or city.
Track your ballot using Ballot Scout or, if you live in Fairfax or Prince William counties, using BallotTrax.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
You can vote early and in person from Friday, Sept. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 2, at your registrar’s office or a nearby satellite polling location.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can still cast your ballot if you are in line before 7 p.m.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
You need an acceptable form of ID, such as a current or expired Virginia driver’s license or U.S. military ID, or you must sign an ID confirmation statement. If you don’t sign the statement, you will receive a provisional ballot and instructions on how to make sure your vote is counted.
Voting with a Disability
Polling places in Virginia offer accessible parking, voter booths, and other accommodations. If you are 65 or older or have a disability, you can use curbside voting and cast your ballot from your vehicle.
