Virginia voters have until Saturday, Oct. 31, to vote early in person ahead of the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, when polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters do not need a reason to vote early. Early voting hours vary by locality, so voters should check their local registrar’s office. Loudoun County’s office, for example, lists Saturday hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on its early voting page.
This guide covers how to vote. It does not cover candidates or what is on the ballot.
Early Voting Ends Saturday
In-person early voting began Sept. 18 and ends Saturday, Oct. 31. Early voting takes place at the local registrar’s office or a satellite location, which may be different from a voter’s Election Day precinct. The Virginia Department of Elections lists early voting locations and the election calendar.
Voting on Election Day
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. may still vote, according to Loudoun County and VPM. On Election Day, voters must go to their assigned precinct.
Virginia law requires voters to show an acceptable form of identification at the polls, according to local registrars. Voters without acceptable ID may have options such as signing an ID confirmation statement or voting a provisional ballot. The Department of Elections lists the accepted forms of ID.
Registering and Voting the Same Day
The deadline to register in advance was Friday, Oct. 23. Voters can still register through Election Day and vote using a provisional ballot, according to Loudoun County. VPM reports that same-day registrants cast provisional ballots, which are counted separately and are subject to approval by the local electoral board.
Mail Ballots
Voters who have a mail ballot can return it in person by 7 p.m. on Election Day. A ballot returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3 and received by the registrar by noon on Friday, Nov. 6, according to the registrar in Floyd County, Virginia.
What’s Next
Tuesday, Nov. 3, is Election Day. Voters who have questions about hours, locations or accepted identification can check the Virginia Department of Elections website or their local registrar before heading out.
