Early in-person voting starts Friday in Virginia. Here’s what to know.

“Taking care of this task ahead of time makes sure you do get to participate, regardless of what happens to mess with one’s plans on election day.”

Election Day is in November, but in Virginia people can start voting in September. 

That’s because from this Friday, Sept. 20 to Nov. 2, Virginians can do what’s called early in-person voting, which just means voters can go to their local registrar’s office and complete their ballots. 

You can register to vote online at the Virginia Department of Elections website here and find your registrar office here. Learn more about voting in Virginia with The Dogwood’s 2024 Guide to Voting in Virginia. 

The benefit of voting early is you ensure your vote is cast with plenty of time and usually with standing through shorter—if any—lines. If something comes up in your life on Election Day that would keep you from a trip out to the polls, you’ve already completed your civic duty.

It also helps campaigns understand which voters they still need to motivate to get to the polls, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. 

“Taking care of this task ahead of time makes sure you do get to participate, regardless of what happens to mess with one’s plans on election day,” Farnsworth said. “If you vote early, party activists can concentrate on those people who have not yet voted as they don’t have to make sure you turn up on Election Day.”

Read more: Ignore the disinformation. Virginia’s elections are secure.

At the top of the ballot this year, voters across the country will choose between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump for president. 

The only statewide election this year in Virginia is for the US Senate: Democratic incumbent Sen. Tim Kaine is facing a challenge from Republican Hung Cao. 

Further down the ballot, all 11 of Virginia’s congressional districts are holding elections this year. The races in the 7th District anchored by Prince William County and in the 2nd District based in Virginia Beach are attracting national attention given how competitive they are.

As election season kicks off, here are some other dates and deadlines to keep in mind:

Tuesday, October 15, 2024: Online voter registration deadline

Tuesday, October 15, 2024: By-mail voter registration deadline

Friday, October 25, 2024: Absentee ballot request deadline (online or by mail)

Saturday, November 2: Absentee ballot request deadline (in-person)

Saturday, November 2, 2024: Last day of early in-person voting

Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Absentee ballot return deadline (in-person, 7 p.m.)

Friday, November 8, 2024: Absentee ballot return deadline (by mail, postmarked by 11/5)