Voter Rights

If you are a Virginia resident and otherwise legally qualified, you have the right to:

• Pre-register to vote by submitting a voter registration application if you are at least 16 years old but will not be 18 years old on or before the next general election.
• Register with your current address before registration records close (up to 22 days before Election Day) to vote a non-provisional ballot.    
• Register in-person with your current address and vote a provisional ballot using same-day registration after registration close (21 days before Election Day) up to and including Election Day.
• Be notified if your voter registration application has been accepted or denied.
• Vote if you are registered. 
• Vote absentee if you are registered to vote in Virginia.
• Vote absentee in Virginia if you are a U.S. citizen overseas and your last residence in the U.S. was in Virginia, or you are a Virginia resident away in the military (or their qualifying spouse or dependent).
• Vote if you are in line by the close of polls. Polls close at 7:00 pm on Election Day.
• Be treated with courtesy and respect by election officials.
• Ask any election officer for help.
• Receive help from your own assistant or an election officer if you need help to read, complete forms, or to vote.* 
• Be shown how to mark and cast your ballot.
• Bring your child (age 15 or younger) into the voting booth.
• Have a ballot brought to your vehicle instead of entering the polling place or early voting location if you are 65 years of age or older -- or have a disability. 
• Request to receive your absentee ballot electronically to mark your ballot using an electronic ballot-marking tool, if you are print disabled. 
• Use an accessible voting machine when voting in person at your polling place or early voting site, if you have a disability and prefer that option. 
• Write in the full name of a candidate if the candidate of your choice is not listed on the ballot (except in party primaries).
• Ask for a new ballot if you want to change your vote before you cast it.
• Vote a regular ballot if you arrive at your polling place without acceptable ID, but sign an ID Confirmation Statement affirming your identity.**
• Vote a provisional ballot if your name does not appear on the voter list and you believe it should, if you utilize the same-day registration process, or if you forgot to bring an acceptable ID and refuse to sign an ID Confirmation Statement.
• Receive notice of the time and place of the Electoral Board meeting to determine if your provisional ballot will be counted and, if applicable, the deadline by which any required documents must be submitted (such as acceptable ID).
• Be present when the Electoral Board meets to determine if your provisional ballot will be counted (attendance is not required for your ballot to be counted).