Virginia’s 45-day early-voting period for the Nov. 3 general election begins Friday, Sept. 18, opening the first statewide opportunity to vote on three proposed constitutional amendments as well as federal and local contests. The Department of Elections calendar says in-person early voting continues through 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
Virginians do not need an excuse or advance application to vote early in person. They must vote in the locality where they are registered, and the state advises checking with the local registrar for office hours and satellite sites. The department’s location directory lists registrar offices across all cities and counties.
Three statewide questions
The state’s candidates and referendums page lists three constitutional questions for the November ballot. Each proposal cleared the General Assembly through the required legislative process and now needs approval from a majority of voters casting ballots on that question.
The first would add a constitutional right to reproductive freedom. The General Assembly’s official resolution record says the right could not be denied, burdened or infringed unless justified by a compelling state interest and achieved through the least restrictive means, while allowing regulation after fetal viability with exceptions for the pregnant patient’s life or physical or mental health.
The second would establish a fundamental right to vote and change the treatment of felony convictions. Under the proposed voting amendment, a person would be ineligible while incarcerated for a felony but would regain political rights automatically after release, without further action. The current constitution generally requires restoration by the governor or another appropriate authority.
The third would replace Virginia’s existing constitutional prohibition on same-sex marriage. The marriage amendment would provide an affirmative right for two adults to marry regardless of sex, gender or race and require legally valid marriages to receive equal treatment under state law.
Deadlines and identification
The regular deadline to register or update a registration is Friday, Oct. 23. The same date, at 5 p.m., is the deadline for a registrar to receive an application for a mailed ballot. Virginians registering after Oct. 23 may still register and vote provisionally through Election Day, according to the official election schedule.
Statewide minimum weekend availability is also defined. Registrar offices must open for early voting on Sunday, Oct. 18; Saturday, Oct. 24; Sunday, Oct. 25; and Saturday, Oct. 31. Localities may offer additional dates or satellite sites, so hours should be verified before travel.
Virginia’s voter-identification rules apply during early voting. The state’s in-person voting guidance directs voters without an acceptable ID to sign an identification-confirmation statement or cast a provisional ballot. On Election Day, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; anyone in line at 7 p.m. may vote.
Ballots vary by address because congressional races, local offices and referendums differ across Virginia. Voters can use the department’s ballot lookup to confirm their early-voting options and review the contests assigned to their residence before going to vote.
