Election and Voter FAQs

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 throughout the Commonwealth are from 6:00 a.m. until  7:00 p.m.  As long as a voter is in line by 7:00 p.m., the voter will be able to vote. 

Am I registered to Vote? and How do I know if I’m registered to vote?

You may register to vote or check your status online:

  1. Access the following link:
    Virginia Department of Elections citizen portal at www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal
  2. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click Go.
  3. Enter your name, date of birth, last 4 digits of their social security number and their locality. And check the certification box.
  4. You will now see your voter record

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:
www.elections.virginia.gov/LocalGR

Where can I register to vote?

The Virginia Department of Elections has several options to choose from:

  • You may request a Virginia Voter Registration Application from your local general registrar.
  • You may register to vote at your local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
  • You may contact a candidate campaign, political party or other organization with voter outreach.

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:
www.elections.virginia.gov/LocalGR

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?

  1. Access the following link:
    Virginia Department of Elections polling place lookup www.elections.virginia.gov/poll
  2. Enter your address
  3. The system will show your polling place

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.

The following are acceptable forms of identification:

  • Voter confirmation documents
  • Virginia driver’s license
  • Virginia DMV-issued ID
  • United States passport
  • Employer-issued ID
  • Student ID issued by any community college or university located in the United States
  • Other U.S. or Virginia government-issued ID (including veteran’s ID)
  • Tribal enrollment or other tribal ID (if issued by one of the 11 tribes recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia)
  • Virginia voter photo ID card
  • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document containing the name and address of the voter

For a more detailed list of acceptable IDs click here

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.

If you have moved within the state: you will need to update your voter record. You can do so online or your local general registrar. If your move occurred since the last November election, you may return to and vote at your previous polling location. Remember, all voters must update their records to reflect current residence because eligibility to vote requires residence in the precinct assigned based on their residence.

How do I apply for an absentee ballot?

You have several options:

  • You may apply on-line at www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal  
  • You can contact your general registrars’ office and request the ballot. You will find that contact information at:
    www.elections.virginia.gov/LocalGR
  • You may visit your local general registrar’s office and complete the application. If during the absentee ballot voting period your application is approved, you will be allowed to cast your vote at that time.

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 poll book 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?

  • If you were turned away because you were at the wrong polling location, then you will need to vote at the polling location that is associated with the voter registration address. You can look up the polling address using Polling Place Lookup www.elections.virginia.gov/poll
  • If you were turned away for any other reason, return to your polling location and ask to vote with a provisional ballot.

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.

 

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Source URL
https://www.elections.virginia.gov
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