Everything you always wanted to know about voting in VA but were too afraid to ask

Have questions about voting in Virginia’s elections this year? We’ve got you covered.

It’s election season in Virginia, and as one of just two states with a gubernatorial race this year, all eyes are on the Old Dominion State. 

But it’s not just about who ends up in the Executive Mansion; all 100 seats in Virginia’s House of Delegates are also up for grabs this year. That means nearly all Virginians (those living in districts with contested races) have localized reasons to show up this November. 

RELATED: Powerful message from Virginia labor leader— “Elections have consequences.”

Below, we’ve put together a guide to voting in Virginia that can help anyone from first-timers to booth regulars ensure they’re not forgetting any essentials before arriving at the polls. 

VOTER RIGHTS, RULES, AND FAQ

What’s new this year in Virginia voting? 

Thanks to SB991, which was signed by the governor back in March, Virginia voters can now register 11 days before Election Day, shrinking the buffer from the previous deadline of at least 22 days before a given election. 

Great news for procrastinators: As long as you complete your voter registration by Oct. 24, you’ll be good to go for the Nov. 4 elections.  (And if you miss that deadline, you can still register and vote the same day by casting a provisional ballot!)

I’m a college student. Should I vote in my hometown or register with my college address?

This is a personal decision. You may either register to vote at your school address or remain registered in your home state/county. Just remember that you can only be registered to vote in one location, so be sure to update your voter registration information well in advance of Election Day. 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. 

What if I don’t have a ride to the polls on Election Day?

If you need a ride to the polls on Election Day, be sure to check your public transportation options. Alternatively, there are multiple organizations willing to help. One option is Rideshare2Vote, a multi-state organization that connects voters with drivers to coordinate transportation to the polls. You can reserve a ride over the phone, on the Rideshare2Vote app, or through the website, which you can visit here for more details. 

How do I know if my mail-in ballot was received?

You can track your ballot via the Virginia Department of Elections website.  

Can I bring my kid with me into the voting booth? 

Yes. There are no rules against bringing a child into the voting booth with you. Of course, make sure your child is quiet and respectful as others vote. 

Can I take a selfie with my ballot?

Yes. Per a 2016 ruling, ballot selfies are allowed in Virginia—just be sure to only photograph yourself and your own ballot. 

What if I make a mistake on my ballot? Can I have a re-do? 

Yes, so long as you have not yet submitted your ballot. If voting in-person, simply tell the poll worker that you’d like a new ballot. They will “spoil” your first ballot by tearing it up and providing you with a new one. You cannot, however, request a new ballot once you’ve mailed in an absentee ballot or turned in your in-person ballot to be counted. 

Can I wear political gear to the polls?

Wearing buttons, hats, shirts, or other garments advertising your preferred candidates is considered “electioneering,” which is prohibited, along with discussing your voting preferences with fellow voters at the polling location. Just don’t do it. 

What if the poll workers say I’m not eligible to vote, but I believe I am?

Ask for a provisional ballot. Per the ACLU, all voters are entitled to a provisional ballot, which will require election officials to look into your voter eligibility status after Election Day and count your ballot if you are indeed qualified. 

What is voter intimidation?

Voter intimidation involves the attempted interference with a person’s ability to freely vote and is prohibited by federal law. Examples include displaying false signage about voter requirements, impersonating a poll worker to spread false information, and aggressively questioning voters regarding their citizen or voting right status. In Virginia, political campaigning is prohibited by law within 40 feet of a polling location’s entrance. 

If you believe you’ve experienced voter intimidation, report it to your local election office and call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (English) or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (Spanish). You can find more information, including hotline options for additional languages, here. 

This story has been edited and updated for the 2025 election season by Ryan Pitkin.

Related: We Heard Your Questions on Virginia’s Marijuana Policies. Here’s What You Need to Know.