KNOW YOUR VOTING RIGHTS
Am I registered to vote?
Check to see if you are registered before Tuesday, February 10, 2020. Call your local registrar or the Department of Elections at (800) 552-9745. You can also check online at elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation.
When is the voter registration deadline?
The deadline to register to vote in the presidential primary is February 10, 2020. Register online (www.elections.virginia.gov), or find applications at all local voter registration offices, public libraries, and DMV offices.
When do I vote?
Primary Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Polling places are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where do I vote?
Call your local voter registration office before Primary Day, or check your most recently issued voter registration card. You may also find your polling place online at elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation.
Top Questions Asked by Voters
- If I’m in line when the polls close, can I still vote? Yes! You have the right to vote if you are in line by 7 p.m. when the polls close. (Va. Code §24.2-603)
- Can I wear campaign apparel when going to vote? Yes! Voters are allowed to wear apparel, including shirts, hats, buttons or stickers that contain a candidate’s name or a political slogan when they go to the polls to vote. (Va. Code §24.2-604(J))
- What if I need instructions on how to use the voting equipment? Ask a poll worker for help. Poll workers are required to assist you any time you ask. You can request help after entering the voting booth, but should be allowed to vote privately after receiving help. (Va. Code §24.2-647)
- What if I believe I am registered but a poll worker says I am not? Ask the poll worker to contact the local registrar. If the registrar is unavailable or cannot find your name, ask for a provisional ballot. You have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if your name is not on the voter list. However, know that your ballot may not be counted if the Board of Elections finds no record of your registration. (Va. Code §24.2-652-653)
- What if someone challenges my eligibility to vote even though I am on the list of registered voters? Ask for the Affirmation of Eligibility form. You have the right to vote or at least cast a provisional ballot if you sign this form. (Va. Code §24.2-651)
- What if I've moved since the last election? You should change your address online at elections.virginia.gov/registration/view-your-info, or send a letter to your local registrar before Feb. 10. More information on the impact of moving can be found on the address change webpage.
- What should I do if I make a mistake on a paper ballot, or the machine malfunctions? Do NOT cast your ballot! Ask for a replacement ballot immediately. You have a right to as many replacement ballots as you need. (Va. Code §24.2-645). If your machine malfunctions, inform a poll worker who will direct you to a different machine or give you a paper ballot. (Va. Code §24.2-642, §24.2-646.1)
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What if I need help in the voting booth because of a physical disability or I have trouble reading or writing? Ask a poll worker for a Request for Assistance form. You have the right to have a poll worker, friend or relative help you in the voting booth if you sign this form. (Va. Code §24.2-649 (B)). If you think it will be difficult to vote inside the polling place, you have the right to vote curbside. On Primary Day, you can send someone into the polling place to request curbside voting on your behalf. Poll workers will bring a ballot or voting machine outside so you can vote. (Va. Code §24.2-649 (A))
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Can I vote absentee? If you expect to be unable to go to your polling place on Primary Day because of a long commute, work, school, religious, medical, or other reasons, you may be able to vote by absentee ballot via mail or in person (must show Photo ID for in-person). (Va. Code §24.2-700) The absentee ballot application and procedures are available online at www.elections.virginia.gov or your local registrar’s office. (Va. Code §24.2-701-702.1, §24.2-707-709)
Virginia’s Voter ID Law
All voters must show an approved photo ID to vote Va. Code §24.2-643(B)
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Acceptable IDs: Valid Virginia DMV-Issued Photo ID*; Valid U.S. Passport; Employee Photo ID; Valid Student Photo ID from Virginia College/University; Military Photo ID; Any other Photo ID issued by the U.S., Virginia, or a political or local subdivision in Virginia; Virginia Voter Photo ID.
To be a valid ID, it cannot have expired more than 12 months prior. For full list of acceptable IDs, visit: elections.virginia.gov/registration/photo-ids-required-to-vote/index.html - What if I Don’t Have an ID? If you do not have an approved photo ID, you can get a FREE voter photo ID even on Primary Day at any general registrar’s office. You must be a registered voter to apply for the Virginia Voter Photo ID Card. If you are not registered to vote, you can register and sign up for the ID in the same trip. You will have to complete the Virginia Voter Photo Identification Card Application and have your picture taken. Once the application is processed, the card will be mailed directly to you.
- What if I forget my photo ID? If you forget your ID and you have time, it is usually better to go back and get it. Voters without identification must cast a provisional ballot. You must deliver a copy of your ID to your local electoral board no later than noon on Friday after the election by fax, e-mail, mail or in person. (Va. Code §24.2-653)
- What if I am a transgender person and my gender-marker doesn't match my gender presentation? Check out our Transgender Voter Guide to learn more about your rights and how you can best prepare for Primary Day.
Restoration of Voting Rights
If you have lost your right to vote due to a felony conviction, in order to vote in the presidential primary on March 3, you must have your voting rights restored and then register to vote before the February 10 deadline. Those with felony convictions from Virginia must (a) receive a letter from the Governor individually restoring their voting rights, then (b) register to vote. To check if your civil rights have been restored go to: solutions.virginia.gov/RestorationOfRights or call 804-692-0104.
