
(AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Virginia’s state elections are less than a month away, but some essential voting deadlines are zooming up even sooner.
The deadline to register to vote or update your existing voter registration is Monday, Oct. 16, 2023 (but if you don’t get registered by then, keep reading—there’s another option). If you’ve moved since the last time you voted in Virginia, are new to the state, or recently became old enough to cast a ballot, you’ll need to register to vote or update your registration with your current address.
If you’re unsure of your voter status or not sure if you need to update your registration information, you can find out online. Virginia’s Board of Elections has a convenient internet portal to help you make sure you’re able to cast your ballot on or before Nov. 7.
You can also use the site to apply for a mail-in ballot, but you’ll have more time to do that after your voter registration information is up-to-date.
But if you’re not able to register to vote by Oct. 16, Virginia allows “same-day voter registration.”
As of last year, voters can register and vote simultaneously through Election Day. Through this process, voters will cast a provisional ballot. After a provisional ballot is cast, the local registrar’s office will research whether the voter who cast that ballot is indeed eligible to vote in that locality.
If the voter’s registration application is approved, the provisional ballot is then counted like a normal ballot. If for some reason the provisional ballot is not counted, the voter will be notified by the general registrar.
Virginia’s key 2023 voting deadlines:
- The deadline to register to vote or update your existing voter registration is Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. (Voters may register after this date, through Election Day, and vote using a provisional ballot).
- The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. The request must be received by your local voter registration office by 5 p.m.
- Early Saturday voting at your local voter registration office begins Oct. 28, 2023.
- The last day to vote early in-person is Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, by 5 p.m.
- The general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. through 7 p.m.
Politics

Virginia Democrats ran on abortion and won. Here’s what it means for the future of reproductive rights
In this year’s fight for majority control of the General Assembly, abortion emerged as a key issue and a bright-line distinction between Republican...

From Hampton Roads to Henrico: How economic proposals fueled Democratic victories
The 2023 General Assembly elections are behind us, and Virginia Democrats successfully faced down immense amounts of Republican spending to secure...
Local News

Op-ed: I Vote Because
BY DAWN RYKHEART, We Vote In Virginia we hold elections every year, and the years where there is no presidential election usually see less than 50%...

What’re U-Picking Right Now? Virginia’s Guide to What’s in Season and Where You Can Pick it Yourself
While store-bought produce is all well and good, there’s nothing like going to a farm and picking your own fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and...