En español | Virginia’s June 21 primaries will determine which candidates appear on November’s general election ballot for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- All registered voters can vote absentee by mail in June’s primaries and November’s general election, but you’ll need to apply to do so — and you’ll need a witness signature on your absentee ballot.
- You can vote early and in person from May 7 through June 18 for the primaries and Sept. 24 through Nov. 5 for the general election.
- The state’s primary election is Tuesday, June 21, and the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How do I register to vote?
- Online: Use the election department’s citizen portal. Register or update your voter information by May 30 to vote in the primaries.
- By mail: Download a registration form, complete it and mail it to your local registrar’s office. Or call your local registrar’s office and ask that 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 May 30 to vote in the primaries.
- In person: Go to your local voter registrar's office and register or update your voter information by 5 p.m. on May 30 to vote in the primaries.
You can check your registration status using the department of election’s citizen portal.
Does my party affiliation matter when I vote in the primaries?
You can choose which party’s primary you want to vote in, regardless of your political affiliation. But you can vote in only one party’s primary.
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 the June primaries and 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 June 10 to vote in the primaries and Oct. 28 to vote in the general.
- By mail: Download an application form, complete it and mail it to your local registrar’s office by June 10 to vote in the primaries and Oct. 28 to vote in the general. You can also call your local registrar’s office and ask that an application be mailed to you.
- In person: Apply in person by returning a completed application to your local registrar’s office by June 10 to vote in the primaries and Oct. 28 to vote in the general.
Once you receive your ballot, complete it and make sure it includes a witness signature. You can return it by mail or in person:
- Mail your preaddressed ballot to your local board of elections. Your ballot must be postmarked by June 21 and received by June 24 at noon to be counted in the primaries. It must be postmarked by Nov. 8 and received by Nov. 11 at noon in the general.
- Hand-deliver your ballot to your local registrar’s office or any polling place within your county or city before 7 p.m. on June 21 for the primaries and Nov. 8 for the general.
You can 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?
Yes, from May 7 through June 18 for the primaries and from Sept. 24 through Nov. 5 for the general election. Vote early at your local registrar's office or at a nearby satellite polling location. Contact your local registrar’s office for hours and locations.
When is Election Day? When are polls open?
The primary election is Tuesday, June 21. 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.
The general election is Nov. 8. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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 June 24 to fax, email, mail or deliver an acceptable form of ID to election officials for your vote to count.
What races are on the ballot?
- U.S. House: All 11 seats
- The state held its big statewide election in 2021, though several local offices are on the ballot.
Editor’s note: This guide, first published on July 15, 2020, was updated on Nov. 24 with information about how to vote in 2022. Voting rules, procedures and candidates may change before Election Day. We’ll keep this guide updated, so bookmark this page and check back.
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