We're monitoring election changes related to COVID-19 and making updates to the information below as quickly as possible. Please check back frequently to make sure you have the most up-to-date details.
Last update: Feb 17, 2021
Who can vote
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Virginia and of the precinct in which you want to vote
- be 18 years old (any person who is 17 years old and will be 18 years of age at the next general election shall be permitted to register in advance and also vote in any intervening primary or special election)
- not have been convicted of a felony, or have had your civil rights restored
- not currently be declared mentally incompetent by a court of law
- You can find more information on voting rights restoration here
Online voter registration
- Virginia offers online voter registration.
- You should know: you need a Virginia driver's license or state ID and a Social Security number to use Virginia's online voter registration system. If you don't have a Virginia-issued ID, you can still register by mail to vote.
By-mail voter registration
Use the Virginia voter registration form
You can register to vote using the Virginia voter registration form. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and fill it out completely. Send the completed form to your local election official
Use the National Voter Registration Form
- Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: Your full Social Security number is required. Your Social Security number will appear on reports produced only for official use by voter registration and election officials and, for jury selection purposes, by courts. Article II, Sec.2, Constitution of Virginia (1971).
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: Virginia does NOT require that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
- Review the "Who can vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your local election official
- If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote or provide a copy of your ID when you submit your application. Proof of identification includes: A current and valid photo identification or A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. More information here.
In-person voter registration
Due to COVID-19, in-person services may have limited availability. Contact your local election office to confirm. See CDC guidance on safe in-person registration and voting.
- You can also register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- Learn more by visiting the Department of Elections for Virginia or contacting your local election official.
Election Day registration
Get step-by-step help
Military and overseas voters
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your election official may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your election official.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible. .
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
Check your voter registration status
Election contact information for Virginia
Address:
Department of Elections
Washington Building, 1100 Bank Street, First Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone Number:
(804) 864-8901
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