VIRGINIA
Election Information
Upcoming Elections
2008 State Primary Election: 6/10/08
2008 General Election: 11/4/08
Voter Registration Information
The Lawyers’ Committee and its pro bono law firm partners have compiled comprehensive third-party voter registration guides for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These guides will help volunteers, organizers, and leaders navigate the complex rules that govern voter registration in each state.
Registration deadlines
29 days before an election
Specific Deadlines:
- 2008 State Primary Election: 5/12/08
- 2008 General Election: 10/6/08
Where to Obtain Registration Forms
- Register Online Now
- Download form
- Voter Registration office
- State or local government offices that provide services
- State agencies that provide services for people with disabilities
- Armed forces recruitment office
- Public library
- Department of Motor Vehicles
Absentee Voting
Absentee voting is allowed if the voter is:
- Going to be absent from the county or city in which he is entitled to vote
- Attending a school or institution of learning
- Unable to go in person to the polls on the day of election because of a physical disability or physical illness
- Confined while awaiting trial or for having been convicted of a misdemeanor, provided that the trial or release date is scheduled on or after the third day preceding the election (Any person who is awaiting trial and is a resident of the county or city where he is confined can be taken to the polls to vote on Election Day if his trial date is postponed and he did not have an opportunity to vote absentee)
- A member of an electoral board, registrar, officer of election, or custodian of voting equipment
- Unable to go in person to the polls on the day of the election because he is primarily and personally responsible for the care of an ill or disabled family member who is confined at home
- Unable to go in person to the polls on the day of the election because of an obligation occasioned by his religion
- Going to be at his place of work and commuting to and from his home to his place of work for eleven or more hours of the thirteen that the polls are open
- A member of the Armed Forces or a spouse or dependent of a member of the Armed forces
- A U.S. citizen living overseas who will be at least 18 years of age before the next general election and whose last residence prior to going overseas was in VA
Rules and Deadlines
- Absentee ballots can be found with local voter registration office and must be requested by the Tuesday before the election. Ballots must be returned to the local electoral board or general registrar.
- Ballot must be received before the closing of the polls on Election Day.
Early Voting
Yes, for all voters who qualify for mail absentee voting. Begins 45 days before the general election and 30 days before a primary.
Identification Requirements
At registration:
- Current and valid photo identification or
- A current utility bill,
- Bank statement,
- Government check,
- Paycheck
- Other government document that shows the name and address of the elector
At Polls, acceptable forms of ID include:
- Virginia voter identification card
- Valid Virginia driver’s license
- Military ID
- Any Federal, state or local government-issued ID
- Employer issued photo ID card
- Social Security card
How to check registration
Check online
How to find polling place
Check online
Information for felons
Voter is eligible once civil rights have been restored.