Virginia early voting for Nov. 3 midterms is underway: Here's what to know
ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — Friday marked the start of early voting in Virginia ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
The early voting period extends to both in-person and mail-in voting. Here's what you need to know.
EARLY VOTING:
- Early in-person voting will take place from Sept. 18 - Oct. 31 at locations across every locality in the Commonwealth. Click here to find your nearest early voting location.
- Per law, the 45-day voting period would begin on Sept. 19; however, general registrar offices will be closed on that day.
- This year, early voting will take place on the second and third Sundays before Election Day in addition to the two Saturdays already available. Those weekend dates are Oct. 18, 24, 25, and 31.
- Curbside voting will be available for those with disabilities and/or those over 65 who wish to vote in person. Contact your local registrar's office for details.
ABSENTEE VOTING:
Absentee ballots begin going out on Sept. 18, including for those in the military and overseas.
Applying for absentee ballots can happen online, in person, by mail, or by contacting the local general registrar's office.
Absentee ballots can be returned:
- In person directly to the general registrar’s office;
- At designated drop-off locations during the early voting period;
- At polling locations on Election Day
- By mail (must be postmarked no later than Nov. 3 and received by noon, Nov. 6).
Those sending it by mail should go to a U.S. Post Office and directly ask for a postmark.
Voters who live outside the U.S. are asked to return their ballot through services like FedEx, UPS, and DHL, or other commercial delivery services.
To track your ballot, visit the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Sept. 18 – Early voting begins.
- Oct. 18 – Registrar offices open for Sunday voting.
- Oct. 23 – Last day to request an absentee ballot by mail or online.
- Oct. 23 – Deadline to register to vote and cast a regular ballot.
- Oct. 24 – Same-day registration begins. Anyone registering and voting at the same time will have to cast a provisional ballot.
- Oct. 24 – Registrar offices open for Saturday voting.
- Oct. 25 – Registrar offices open for Sunday voting.
- Oct. 31 – Last day of early voting.
- Nov. 3 – ELECTION DAY
- Nov. 6 – All mailed ballots must be received by the general registrar’s office by noon.
- Nov. 13 – Deadline for local electoral board to certify provisional ballots.
- Dec. 7 – State Board of Elections certifies results.
BALLOT INFORMATION
Races on the ballot this year are for U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, local offices, and a special race for Virginia House of Delegates District 20.
There are three proposed amendments to Virginia's Constitution on the ballot.
A full list of candidates for all races can be found here.