Virginia Voting Guide
A task-focused dashboard for registration, deadlines, ID rules, ballot tools, and official election authority links for the 2026 midterms.
Not an official government website. Election laws and deadlines can change. Use this guide as a starting point, then confirm legally binding details with the official source links on this page.
State Voting Summary
In Virginia, the next general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. To participate, voters must meet the following registration deadlines — online: 11 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 23; mail: Must be postmarked 11 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 23; in-person: Available up to and including on Election Day — Same-day registration with a provisional ballot through Nov. 3.
Early voting schedule: Early in-person voting runs Sept. 18 through 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at your local registrar's office and satellite sites. Absentee ballot request deadline: Your local registrar must receive your application by 5 p.m. on Oct. 23. Ballot return deadline: Your ballot must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3 and received by your registrar by noon on Friday, Nov. 6.
ID requirement for Virginia: Show an acceptable ID, photo or not: a Virginia driver's license or DMV ID (even if expired), U.S. passport, student or employer ID, or a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check from the past 12 months. Without one, you can sign an ID Confirmation Statement and vote. Always verify these dates and rules directly with the official Virginia election authority before Election Day.
Quick actions
Registration sourcevote.govPolling place sourceelections.virginia.govBallot information sourceelections.virginia.govCandidate information sourceelections.virginia.govVoter Registration
- Online
- 11 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 23
- By mail
- Must be postmarked 11 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 23
- In person
- Available up to and including on Election Day — Same-day registration with a provisional ballot through Nov. 3
- Eligibility
- U.S. citizen, resident of Virginia, and 18 by Election Day; confirm special circumstances with the official source.Verify at official source
Election Dates and Ballot Timing
General Election
November 3, 2026
Primary Election
August 4, 2026
- Primary
- August 4, 2026
- General
- November 3, 2026
- Early voting
- Early in-person voting runs Sept. 18 through 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at your local registrar's office and satellite sites.Source: elections.virginia.gov
- Ballot request
- Your local registrar must receive your application by 5 p.m. on Oct. 23.Source: elections.virginia.gov
- Ballot return
- Your ballot must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3 and received by your registrar by noon on Friday, Nov. 6.Source: elections.virginia.gov
How to Vote and ID Rules
Accepted ID guidance
Show an acceptable ID, photo or not: a Virginia driver's license or DMV ID (even if expired), U.S. passport, student or employer ID, or a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check from the past 12 months. Without one, you can sign an ID Confirmation Statement and vote.
Source: elections.virginia.govMail voting guidance
Any registered voter can vote by mail without giving a reason. A postmark alone is not enough, because the ballot must still arrive by the deadline.
Source: elections.virginia.govEverything you need to prep and track your absentee ballot securely.
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Ballot and Candidate Tools
Federal races: U.S. House and U.S. Senate.Verified official source
Statewide/local races: Statewide, legislative, judicial, and local offices vary by state and district; confirm your sample ballot with the official election authority.Verify at official source
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the voter registration deadline in Virginia for the 2026 midterms?
Vote.gov lists these registration timing rules for Virginia: online - 11 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 23; by mail - Must be postmarked 11 days before Election Day — Open until Oct. 23; in person - Available up to and including on Election Day — Same-day registration with a provisional ballot through Nov. 3. Eligibility rules state: U.S. citizen, resident of Virginia, and 18 by Election Day; confirm special circumstances with the official source. Check with Virginia Department of Elections for full details.
When does early voting start in Virginia?
Early in-person voting runs Sept. 18 through 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at your local registrar's office and satellite sites.
Do I need an ID to vote in Virginia?
For ID requirements: Show an acceptable ID, photo or not: a Virginia driver's license or DMV ID (even if expired), U.S. passport, student or employer ID, or a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check from the past 12 months. Without one, you can sign an ID Confirmation Statement and vote.
How do I request an absentee or mail ballot in Virginia?
Any registered voter can vote by mail without giving a reason. A postmark alone is not enough, because the ballot must still arrive by the deadline. Regarding timing: Your local registrar must receive your application by 5 p.m. on Oct. 23. And for returns: Your ballot must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3 and received by your registrar by noon on Friday, Nov. 6.