En español | Virginia’s Nov. 8 general election will decide races for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The state’s primary was June 21.
Essential info:
- Absentee voting: All registered voters can vote absentee by mail in November’s general election. But you’ll need to apply to do so — and you’ll need a witness signature on your absentee ballot.
- Early in-person voting: You can vote early and in person from Sept. 23 through Nov. 5 until 5 p.m.
- In-person voting on Election Day: The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What's new this year?
A new redistricting plan has changed certain boundaries of the state's U.S. congressional districts and may affect which candidates appear on your ballot.
What races are on the ballot?
- U.S. House: All 11 seats
- Virginia held its big statewide election in 2021, though several local offices are on the ballot.
How do I register to vote?
- Online: Use the election department’s citizen portal. You’ll need a valid Virginia driver’s license or state ID and your Social Security number. The deadline to register or update your voter information is Oct. 17.
- By mail: Download and complete a registration form and mail it to your local registrar’s office. Or call your local registrar’s office and request a form be mailed to you. You can also pick up a registration form at public libraries, department of motor vehicles sites, armed forces recruitment offices or some other locations. Your form must be postmarked by Oct. 17.
- In person: Fill out a registration form at your local voter registrar's office by 5 p.m. on Oct. 17.
Check your registration status using the department of election’s citizen portal.
How can I get a mail-in or absentee ballot? Are there important deadlines?
Any registered voter can request a no-excuse absentee ballot and vote from home in November’s general election. Request a ballot online, by mail or in person:
- Online: Use the election department’s citizen portal or email or fax a completed application form to your local registrar’s office by Oct. 28.
- By mail: Download and complete an application form and mail it to your local registrar’s office. It must be received by Oct. 28. You can also call your local registrar’s office and request that an application be mailed to you.
- In person: Complete and return an application to your local registrar’s office by Oct. 28.
You may apply for an emergency absentee ballot if hospitalization, illness or the death of a parent, child or spouse caused you to miss the absentee application deadline or keeps you from voting at the polls. Go to the elections department website for more information.
Make sure your completed ballot includes a witness signature. You can return it by mail or in person:
- Mail your pre-addressed ballot to your local board of elections. Prepaid postage is provided. Your ballot must be postmarked by Nov. 8 and received by Nov. 14 at noon.
- Hand-deliver your ballot to your local registrar’s office or any polling place within your county or city before 7 p.m. on Nov. 8. Other ballot drop-off locations may be available in your county or city. Check with your local board of elections for more information.
Track your ballot by entering your information into Ballot Scout or, if you live in Fairfax County, BallotTrax.
Can I vote in person before Election Day?
Vote early at your local registrar's office or at a nearby satellite polling location from Sept. 23 through Nov. 5.
When is Election Day? When are polls open?
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can cast a ballot after 7 p.m. as long as you were in line before the polls closed. Use the Virginia Department of Elections website to find your polling place.
Do I need identification to vote?
Yes, you’ll either need an acceptable form of identification — like a Virginia driver’s license or work, military or student ID — or you’ll need to sign an ID confirmation statement. If you don’t sign the statement, you’ll receive a provisional ballot and will have until Nov. 14 to fax, email, mail or deliver an acceptable form of ID to election officials for your vote to count.
Editor’s note: This guide, first published on July 15, 2020, was updated on June 22 with information about how to vote in the general election.
Also of Interest
- Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections
- Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at aarp.org/va