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# Virginia Early Voting Opens With New Sunday Hours
- URL: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/state-news-virginia-2026-09-19-a/
- Published: 2026-09-20T01:27:16.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-20T01:27:16.000Z
- Description: Virginia’s general-election early voting is open through October 31, with new statewide Sunday sessions on October 18 and 25. Locations and hours vary, while mail-ballot requests close October 23.
- Author: News Desk
- Tags: State News, Virginia

Virginia’s 45-day early-voting period for the Nov. 3 general election is now underway, and voters will have two statewide Sunday voting opportunities for the first time this year.

The Virginia Department of Elections said [early voting began Friday, Sept. 18](https://www.elections.virginia.gov/news-releases/early-voting-for-2026-november-general-election-begins-sept-18-2.html?ref=theamericanquorum.com), because registrar offices closed on Saturday had to open one day before the official 45-day period started. In-person early voting continues through Saturday, Oct. 31, in every locality.

The new Sunday dates are Oct. 18 and Oct. 25\. Those join required Saturday sessions on Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, giving voters four weekend dates late in the voting period. Actual sites and hours still vary by city and county, so voters should not assume their Election Day polling place is also an early-voting location.

The department’s [statewide location directory](https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/early-voting-office-locations/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) lists registrar offices and satellite sites by locality. Some jurisdictions start satellite voting later in October, while others offer multiple locations or direct voters away from the registrar’s office. Holiday closures also differ, including schedules for Oct. 12\. Voters may cast an early ballot only in the locality where they are registered.

Virginia voters do not need an excuse to vote early or request an absentee ballot. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is Friday, Oct. 23, according to the department’s [absentee and early-voting guidance](https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/early-absentee/?ref=theamericanquorum.com). Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by the general registrar by noon Friday, Nov. 6\. Voters may also return absentee ballots in person, at authorized drop boxes during the early-voting period or at polling places on Election Day.

The department advises voters using the mail to send ballots early and obtain a postmark at a post office. That detail matters because a ballot received after Election Day without a postmark will not be counted. Voters can use the state’s citizen portal to check registration and ballot status.

For in-person voting, registered voters should bring an acceptable form of identification. But the state’s [voter-identification guidance](https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/voterid/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) says someone who arrives without an accepted ID may sign an identity-confirmation statement and cast a regular ballot. A voter who declines to sign may cast a provisional ballot and will receive instructions for completing the process.

Curbside voting is available to voters with disabilities and to people 65 or older. Voters who need that option should contact their local registrar before traveling because procedures and site layouts can differ.

This year’s ballot includes a U.S. Senate race, all 11 U.S. House seats, local contests, a special election in House of Delegates District 20 and three proposed amendments to Virginia’s constitution. The department’s [candidate and referendum page](https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/candidate-list/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) provides the official lists and amendment explanations.

The regular-registration deadline is Oct. 23\. Same-day registration begins Oct. 24, but voters who register and vote simultaneously must use a provisional ballot. The last statewide early-voting day is Oct. 31; Election Day polls open Nov. 3.