Voting in Virginia: Key Dates and Official Resources

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The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Virginia offers no-excuse early voting in person and absentee voting by mail for every registered voter. If you miss the registration deadline, you can still register in person and vote a provisional ballot through Election Day.

Key Dates and Deadlines

  • Early in-person voting: Friday, September 18 – Saturday, October 31, 2026 (ends 5:00 p.m.) at your general registrar's office or satellite location. General registrar offices are also open for early voting on Sun Oct 18, Sat Oct 24, Sun Oct 25 and Sat Oct 31; satellite-location dates and hours vary by locality
  • Voter registration deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026 is the last day to register for a regular ballot. After that you can register in person and vote a provisional ballot (same-day registration) through Election Day
  • Mail (absentee) ballot application deadline: Must be received by your local registrar by 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2026
  • Mail ballot return: in person / drop-off: To your general registrar's office or a drop-off location by 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Each locality sets its own drop boxes; see the instructions mailed with your ballot
  • Mail ballot return: by mail: Postmarked on or before November 3 AND received by noon on the third day after the election (noon, Friday, November 6, 2026)
  • Election Day hours: 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, 2026. If you are in line at 7:00 p.m., you can vote
  • ID requirements: Show one acceptable ID (for example a VA driver license, even if expired; a DMV ID; U.S. passport; student or employer photo ID; or a current utility bill, bank statement, or government document with your name and address) OR sign an ID Confirmation Statement. If you do neither, you vote provisionally and have until noon Friday, Nov. 6, to deliver ID

Official Virginia Election Resources

Please confirm: Election rules and deadlines can change. Always confirm dates, hours, and locations with official Virginia election sources or your county election office before you vote.

Information compiled from official state election websites as of October 19, 2026.