So you’re off at college and there’s no chance you’ll be home in Virginia for the election; you’re probably wondering if you’ll be able to vote this year. The answer is a resounding “yes,” and we’re happy to give the inside scoop on how to get it done.
First and foremost, a big change happened when COVID hit in 2020. For the first time, Virginia began offering no-excuse absentee voting. That means that up to 45 days before an election, Virginians can cast their ballot.
If you’re coming home for a fall break between Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 31—and the dates align with your local registrar’s hours—you can cast your vote in person. To find specific early voting locations and times, use this tool.
But what if you won’t be home at all? No worries, there’s another way to make sure your voice is heard prior to Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3. That’s thanks to mail-in ballots.
VOTING ABSENTEE/BY MAIL
In Virginia, voting by mail is officially considered absentee voting. All registered Virginia voters have the right to vote by mail—you don’t have to provide a reason or prove that you’ll be out of town. Simply preferring to vote by mail is reason enough. You can either sign up for the Permanent Absentee List to receive absentee ballots for all future elections or indicate that you’d like a one-time mail-in ballot.
How to register to vote absentee/by mail:
- Online: Apply online at this link. Be sure to indicate whether you’d like to join the Permanent Absentee List or to request a one-time absentee ballot.
- In-person or by mail: Print and complete this paper application form. Return your printed form to the local voter registration office via mail or in person by Oct. 23. Find your local office here. You may also return a scanned copy of your completed form via email or fax to your local voter registration office.
When you’ve received your ballot, follow the instructions carefully. You can return your completed ballot to your local voter registration office by mail or in person. You might also have the option to drop off your ballot in a dropbox or other designated location, which should be listed on your ballot when received.
Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3) and received by noon the third day following an election. Ballots returned in person must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
REGISTERING WITH YOUR COLLEGE OR HOMETOWN ADDRESS
If you’re a Virginia resident attending college somewhere else, going away to school doesn’t necessarily mean you need to change your voter registration.
That’s a personal decision. You may either register to vote at your school address or remain registered at your parents’ Virginia residence. Just remember that you can only vote in one jurisdiction, so make sure your voter registration reflects the residence where you’re eligible and intend to vote.
If you can’t make it home to vote and choose to remain registered in your hometown, request a mail-in or absentee ballot ahead of the appropriate deadline and return it on time so your vote is counted.
This story has been edited and updated for the 2026 election season by Amie Knowles.
