How to vote in Virginia

Five questions, in the order you will ask them. Every date links to the page it was read on.

How did voting go for you in Virginia?Say what you think. Other readers can answer you.Discuss

Can I still register?

Online: by Friday, October 23.
By mail: your form has to be postmarked by Friday, October 23.
In person: by Friday, October 23.

Missed the deadline? You can still register and vote on the same day, during early voting and on Election Day.

Source: Virginia Department of Elections; vote.gov. Checked October 12, 2026.

Can I vote early?

Yes. Early voting in person runs from Friday, September 18 to Saturday, October 31.

Source: Virginia Department of Elections. Checked October 12, 2026.

Can I vote by mail?

Who can vote by mail: For this one, go by the state's own page: Virginia Department of Elections.

Ask for your ballot: by Friday, October 23.
Send it back: your ballot has to be postmarked by Tuesday, November 3.

Ask for your ballot on the state's own form.

Source: Virginia Department of Elections. Checked October 12, 2026.

What do I bring?

Bring a photo ID, a voter ID card, or a document with your name and address like a utility bill or paycheck. If you have none, you can sign a statement and still vote.

Source: Virginia Department of Elections. Checked October 12, 2026.

Where and when on November 3?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

Polls are open: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where you vote: find your polling place on the state's own lookup.

Source: Virginia Department of Elections. Checked October 12, 2026.

The last word

Virginia Department of Elections has it, not me. If anything here differs from Virginia Department of Elections, the state is right. I checked these pages on October 12, 2026, and rules can change after that.

I tell you how to vote. I never tell you who to vote for. See who is on the ballot in Virginia, or ask the others in Virginia how voting went for them.