Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:32 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:12 a.m. UTC
Can I trust this information?
These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
How do I report an issue with the information provided on this page?
Drop us a line to report an issue, share feedback or ask questions about the voting information on this page.
Summary
Virginia allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Virginia offers early voting.
Top Actions
Who can register to vote?
To register in Virginia you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Virginia and of the precinct in which you want to vote (if you come to Virginia for temporary purposes and intend to return to another state, you are not considered a resident for voting purposes)
- 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 be registered and plan to vote in another state
- 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
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Virginia's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, Virginia does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show ID to vote in Virginia.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Virginia driver’s license (current or expired)
- Virginia DMV-issued ID card (current or expired)
- valid employee photo ID card issued by your employer
- U.S. Military ID
- valid student photo ID issued by a U.S. higher education institution (public or private)
- valid student ID issued by a Virginia high school (public or private)
- valid U.S. passport or passport card
- government-issued ID card from a federal, Virginia, or local political subdivision
- Virginia voter ID card
- voter confirmation documents
- valid tribal enrollment or other tribal ID issued by one of the 11 tribes recognized by Virginia
- nursing home resident ID if issued by a government facility
- utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck issued in the last 12 months and containing the voter’s name and address
- any other current government document containing your name and address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you can sign an ID Confirmation Statement that says you are the registered voter you claim to be and vote a ballot. If you neither provide acceptable identification nor sign an ID Confirmation Statement, you must vote a provisional ballot, and you will be given instructions on what to do so your vote can count. You will need to submit a copy of a valid ID by 12:00 p.m. the Friday after the election.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Virginia’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Virginia does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show ID to vote in Virginia.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Virginia driver’s license (current or expired)
- Virginia DMV-issued ID card (current or expired)
- valid employee photo ID card issued by your employer
- U.S. Military ID
- valid student photo ID issued by a U.S. higher education institution (public or private)
- valid student ID issued by a Virginia high school (public or private)
- valid U.S. passport or passport card
- government-issued ID card from a federal, Virginia, or local political subdivision
- Virginia voter ID card
- voter confirmation documents
- valid tribal enrollment or other tribal ID issued by one of the 11 tribes recognized by Virginia
- nursing home resident ID if issued by a government facility
- utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck issued in the last 12 months and containing the voter’s name and address
- any other current government document containing your name and address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you can sign an ID Confirmation Statement that says you are the registered voter you claim to be and vote a ballot. If you neither provide acceptable identification nor sign an ID Confirmation Statement, you must vote a provisional ballot, and you will be given instructions on what to do so your vote can count. You will need to submit a copy of a valid ID by 12:00 p.m. the Friday after the election.
How do I vote by mail?
In Virginia, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Virginia’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Virginia does offer in person registration on Election Day. If you register after the regular voter registration deadline, you will have to vote a provisional ballot.
Get Ready to Vote
Recent Elections
How do I see what's on my ballot?
Learn more about what will be on your ballot by visiting Ballotpedia.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- 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.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- 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.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Virginia. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Virginia's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Virginia, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Department of Elections oversees elections and election administration in Virginia. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.