When is the next election? |
Upcoming election dates are published on our website at www.elections.virginia.gov/calendar |
What hours are the polls open? |
Polling hours are from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. As long as you are in line by 7:00 p.m., you will be able to vote. |
Am I registered to Vote? How do I know if I’m registered to vote? |
To register to vote or check your status online:
If you do not appear in the system, and you believe you are registered to vote, please contact your local registrar. You will find that contact information at: |
Where can I register to vote? |
The Virginia Department of Elections has several options to choose from:
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When will I know my voter registration status? |
When you register, the local general registrar mails voter notifications directly to you. If you have not received any information in the mail, You can check your status online at: www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal If you cannot confirm registration online, please call your local general registrar. You will find that contact information at:
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If I am 17 but will turn 18 by the November General Election, can I register to vote? |
Yes. You will be eligible to vote in any election held that year. |
Do I register by political party? |
No, Virginia residents do not register by party. |
I have been convicted of a felony. Can I vote? |
Only if you have had your rights restored. Any person convicted of a felony loses their right to vote in Virginia and that right can only be restored by the Governor of Virginia. You can find out more information, check the current status of your civil rights, and apply to have your rights restored through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website: https://commonwealth.virginia.gov/judicial-system/restoration-of-rights/. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Restoration Department can be contacted directly at (804) 692-0104. Once your rights have been restored you must register to vote before you can qualify to receive a ballot at the next election. |
Where do I go to vote on election day? |
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Do I need to bring proof that I am registered to vote? |
No, you do not need to bring proof of your voter registration. All you need to bring is an ID. Refer to the next question to see the list of acceptable IDs. |
What are the acceptable forms of identification on election day? |
Virginia law requires all registered voters to show one acceptable ID to vote in person. |
What if I do not have valid ID? |
If you get to your polling place without acceptable ID, you can sign an ID Confirmation Statement or vote a provisional ballot. You will need to submit a copy of a valid ID by 12:00 noon the Friday after the election. You will be given instructions on what to do so your vote can count. For more information on acceptable IDs, or any other questions, contact or visit your nearest Virginia Voter Registration Office or email info@elections.virginia.gov. |
What if I have moved since the last time I voted? |
If you have moved from another state: you will have to complete a Virginia Voter Registration Application. You may only be registered to vote in one state. |
How do I apply for an absentee ballot? |
You have several options:
Notice to voters using US mail service: the USPS delivery standards changed last year so that First Class delivery went from 1-3 days to 2-5 days and Standard delivery is now 2-9 days. Please keep this in mind, as the ballot must be received by your local general registrar no later than 12:00 PM on the third day following Election Day. Having the ballot postmarked by the deadline does not count if the ballot is still received after the deadline. |
Do I qualify to vote absentee? |
More information on voting absentee can be found on our absentee voting page. |
What is a provisional ballot? |
A provisional ballot is a ballot used to record the vote of an individual whose eligibility to vote cannot be confirmed at the polling location on election day by election officials or the general registrar. If the Officers of Election and General Registrar cannot find your name in the pollbook or there is some other question regarding your eligibility to vote (such as you received an absentee ballot). A provisional ballot is designed to protect your right to vote by allowing you to submit a ballot that will be counted if the underlying question of your eligibility can be resolved. Additionally, if you go to your polling place and do not have proper ID, you will have to vote a provisional ballot. Follow the instructions given to you by the Officers of Election so that you can provide your ID by the deadline, and your vote will be counted. |
I was turned away at the polling location and was not offered a provisional ballot. What can I do? |
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Why am I receiving political mailings and phone calls? |
Political organizations are able to acquire voter information through a variety of sources. The Code of Virginia protects voter data, however, and the Department of Elections takes voter privacy very seriously. Many steps are taken to ensure the security of voter data, and only certain political parties, candidates, and non-profit groups are able to request lists of registered voters for authorized uses only. |
How do I file a complaint? |
If you have a complaint related to your registration or voting experience, the law provides several options for you to take action.
Be sure to provide as much information as you can in the complaint. The complaint will be sent to the Department of Elections, and to your general registrar. |