Virginia General Election
Last update: Oct 15, 2026 01:01 a.m. EDT
Last update: Oct 14, 2026 01:21 a.m. EDT
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Registration Summary
Virginia offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Virginia by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.
Voting Summary
Virginia allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Virginia offers early voting.
19 days to Election Day!
- Early voting has started! You can vote early until Oct 31. Dates and times may vary by location.
- Vote by mail: request your absentee ballot online by Oct 23.
- Visit the Virginia website to find where to vote.
- You will be asked to show an ID or sign an ID Confirmation Statement when you vote in person. Visit the Virginia Department of Elections website for more information.
Register to Vote
Check that you're registered to vote on Virginia's website.
If you’re not registered:
- Register online by Oct 23.
- Your by mail registration form must be postmarked by Oct 23.
How can I check the status of my mail ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Virginia’s website.
How do election officials keep voting secure?
Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.
Visit the Virginia Department of Elections website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.
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, early voting is offered in this election. 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.
- Learn more about voting early in Virginia.
- Early voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Virginia’s site to find where to vote early.
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
- US Military ID
- valid student photo ID issued by a US higher education institution (public or private)
- valid student ID issued by a Virginia high school (public or private)
- valid US 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 your 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 or sign an ID Confirmation Statement by 12:00 p.m. the Friday after the election.
Visit the Virginia Department of Elections website for more information.
Can I register to vote online?
- Virginia offers online voter registration.
- To register online in Virginia, you need your full Social Security number and either a Virginia driver’s license or Virginia state ID number. If you don’t have a Virginia-issued ID or Social Security number, you can still register by mail or in person.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Virginia offers 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.
When can I vote early?
- You can vote in person before Election Day between Sep 18 and Oct 31. Dates and times may vary by location.
Where can I vote early?
- Early voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Virginia's site to find where to vote early.
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
- US Military ID
- valid student photo ID issued by a US higher education institution (public or private)
- valid student ID issued by a Virginia high school (public or private)
- valid US 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 your 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 or sign an ID Confirmation Statement by 12:00 p.m. the Friday after the election.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Yes, you can submit your voter registration application by mail using the National Voter Registration Form or the Virginia voter registration form.
Once you confirm that you’re eligible to vote, print your form and fill it out.
To complete the National Voter Registration Form, use these instructions to fill out the following fields:
Box 6 - ID Number:
To submit a voter registration application by mail in Virginia, you must provide your full Social Security number, if you have one. If you have not been issued a Social Security number, indicate this on the form.
Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in Virginia partisan primary elections.
Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and submit your registration application by mail, federal law requires you to provide a COPY of proof of identification with your application OR show acceptable documentation when you vote. Acceptable forms of identification include a current and valid photo ID OR a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows your name and address. More information about these requirements is available on the National Voter Registration Form.
- You may be exempt from federal proof of identification requirements if you are entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act or another federal law.
- Depending on your state, you may need to show additional identification when you vote, even if you meet federal identification requirements.
Once you’ve filled out all required fields on the form you selected, sign the completed form and send it to your local election office.
If you plan to return your application through the mail, be sure to mail your voter registration application before the deadline to ensure it's timely postmarked. Keep in mind that USPS might not postmark your mail on the day it's dropped off. You can also request a manual postmark at the counter of a USPS office. Find a USPS location near you.
How do I vote by mail?
In Virginia, any registered voter can request to receive a ballot by mail. Request your absentee ballot online by Oct 23.
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.
- Contact your local election office for more information about where to return your ballot in person.
- If you choose to return your ballot through the mail, be sure to mail your ballot at least one week before the deadline to ensure it's timely postmarked. Keep in mind that USPS might not postmark your mail on the day it's dropped off. You can also request a manual postmark at the counter of a USPS office. 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.
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.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can complete a voter registration application in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- You can also register to vote and cast a ballot in person on Election Day.
- Learn more by visiting the Virginia Department of Elections's website or contacting your local election office.
What are key deadlines for this election?
Registration deadlines
- In person during early voting : Sep 18 - Oct 31
- In-person at voting location on Election Day : Nov 3
- Online : Oct 23 by 11:59 p.m. EDT
- By mail (postmarked by) : Oct 23
Absentee ballot deadlines
- Request ballot (received by) : Oct 23 by 5:00 p.m. EDT
- Return ballot by mail (postmarked by) : Nov 3
- Return ballot in person : Nov 3 by 7:00 p.m. EST
Do I need to bring an ID to vote in person?
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
- US Military ID
- valid student photo ID issued by a US higher education institution (public or private)
- valid student ID issued by a Virginia high school (public or private)
- valid US 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 your 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 or sign an ID Confirmation Statement by 12:00 p.m. the Friday after the election.
Visit the Virginia Department of Elections website for more information.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View a candidate list on the Virginia Department of Elections's website or visit your local election office website to check for a sample ballot.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you make your plan to vote. They can help you start the registration process, learn how to vote by mail, send you election reminders, and more.
Who can register to vote?
To register in Virginia you must:
- be a United States citizen
- be a Virginia resident (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 (if you are 17 years old and will be 18 years old at the next general election, you can register in advance and vote in any intervening primary or special election)
- not be registered and plan to vote in another state
- have had your right to vote restored if you have been convicted of a disqualifying felony. Learn more.
- are not currently declared mentally incompetent by a court of law, or have had your right to vote restored
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 your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, 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.