Voting in Virginia: 2016 Election Guide

Another election season is upon us and here's what you'll need to know to vote on Election Day, Nov. 8 in Virginia. Let's start with deadlines.

Registering to vote: You can't vote if you aren't registered. The deadline to register to vote or update your registration information in Virginia is Monday, Oct. 17.

Voting absentee: If you are unable to vote on Election Day for some reason, you can request an absentee ballot. The deadline to make your request to have an absentee ballot mailed to you is Tuesday, Nov. 1 by 5 p.m. You can contact your City or County registrar for an absentee ballot. If you're not sure how to contact them, visit the State Board of Elections page here to find out.

If you're not sure if you qualify for absentee voting, check out all the acceptable reasons for voting absentee here.

If you miss the Nov. 1 deadline, you can go in person to get an absentee ballot until Saturday, Nov. 5. at 5 p.m.

Think you might already be registered to vote, but you're not sure? Check on the Virginia State Board of Elections Web site here.

Who is on the ballot? On the ballot on Nov. 8 in Virginia for the presidential election:

• Democratic Party: Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine
• Republican Party: Donald J. Trump and Michael R. Pence
• Libertarian Party: Gary Johnson and Bill Weld
• Green Party: Jill Stein and Ajamu Baraka
• Independent: Evan McMullin and Nathan Johnson

Check your location election office Web pages for location elections in your area.

Where do I vote? You can plug in your address here, on the Board of Elections Web site, and find out where you'll need to go to vote on Election Day.

What time do I vote? On Election Day, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Virginia.

Photo I.D. required: Virginia law requires all voters to provide an acceptable form of photo identification when voting in person at their polling place. There are many different types of photo IDs that voters can use when they vote. All of the acceptable forms of photo ID can be used up to a year after ID has expired. These photo IDs include:

• Valid Virginia Driver’s License or Identification Card
• Valid Virginia DMV issued Veteran’s ID card
• Valid United States Passport
• Other government-issued photo identification cards (must be issued by US Government, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or a political subdivision of the Commonwealth)
• Tribal enrollment or other tribal ID issued by one of 11 tribes recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Valid college or university student photo identification card (must be from an institution of higher education located in Virginia)
• Valid student ID issued by a public school or private school in Virginia displaying a photo
• Employee identification card containing a photograph of the voter and issued by an employer of the voter in the ordinary course of the employer’s business

Still have more questions about photo ID? Visit the State Board of Elections Web page about photo ID requirements.

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