Presidential Primary 2020: Early Voting, Deadlines In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Super Tuesday is rapidly approaching, and Alexandria voters can prepare by checking deadlines, voter registration status and other information. The Democratic presidential primary election will be held on Tuesday, March 3. Republicans will not hold a primary and will instead choose delegates to send to the national convention.

Below are dates to know and other guidelines for absentee voting and preparing for Election Day.

In-Person Absentee Voting

The first date to know is Jan. 16, which is the start of in-person absentee voting for residents with a valid excuse. Alexandria voters can vote absentee at Office of Voter Registration and Elections (132 N. Royal Street, Suite 100), starting on Jan. 16. The Office of Voter Registration and Elections will be closed on Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Feb. 17 for Presidents' Day. The deadline for in-person absentee voting is 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29.

Absentee voting is open during the following hours:

Regular Hours

• Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Saturdays, Feb. 22 and 29, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Extended Evening Hours

• Monday, Feb. 24,8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 25, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 26, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 27, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

An acceptable form of photo identification is required for in-person voting, including absentee. Residents can obtain apply for an ID and receive a temporary ID at the office when casting their in-person absentee ballot.

Absentee Voting By Mail

If you're requesting an absentee ballot by email, the deadline for the Office of Voter Registration and Elections to receive the application is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25. The quickest way to submit an application is online at vote.elections.virginia.gov, but voters can also apply by mail, by fax, or by email.

You can print and complete the absentee ballot application online or call the Office of Voter Registration and Elections at 703-746-4050 to request an application. Return the completed application by mail (132 North Royal Street, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314), fax (703-838-6449) or scanned email attachment (VoteAbsentee@alexandriava.gov).

Voters will be sent their absentee ballots within two business days of the application being accepted. Absentee ballots must be returned to the Office of Elections by 7 p.m. on Election Day, March 3.

Voter Registration, Candidates and Election Day Voting

The voter registration deadline is 5 p.m. in person or by mail and 11:59 p.m. online on Feb. 10. Check your registration status or register at vote.elections.virginia.gov. You can also download the Virginia voter registration application and return the completed application to Office of Voter Registration and Elections, 132 North Royal, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Apply for voter registration in person during normal business hours at the Office of Voter Registration and Elections (132 North Royal Street, Suite 100) or Division of Motor Vehicles (2681 Mill Road).

In Virginia, voters are not registered by party, so any registered voter can vote in the Democratic presidential primary. Check a sample ballot here or see the Democratic presidential primary candidates below.

• Cory Booker*
• Julián Castro*
• Bernie Sanders
• Elizabeth Warren
• Marianne Williamson*
• Michael Bennet
• Joseph R. Biden
• Amy Klobuchar
• Tulsi Gabbard
• Deval Patrick
• Pete Buttigieg
• Andrew Yang
• Tom Steyer
• Michael R. Bloomberg

*Indicates a candidate that qualified for the Virginia primary but has dropped out of the presidential race.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3. Check Alexandria polling places or find your polling place at vote.elections.virginia.gov.

An acceptable form of photo identification is required to cast a ballot on Election Day. If you don't have an acceptable photo ID at your polling place, you can cast a provisional ballot and be given further instructions to ensure your vote counts.