The first-timer’s guide to voting in 2024

Whether you’re freshly 18, a new US citizen, or simply registered to vote for the first time, it’s important to know what you need and what to do before you get in line.

Be sure to bookmark this article because it’s your one-stop-shop for voting 101 in the 2024 election.

First, you’ll want to ensure that you’re registered to vote. Visit the Virginia Department of Elections website to look up your registration status. You can search by general info like name, birth date, and Social Security number. Vote.org also offers a 30-second search feature to confirm your registration status if you’re in a hurry. 

HOW AND WHERE TO REGISTER: 

Not yet registered or need to update your existing registration? You’ve got time, but make sure to review the detailed deadline info below.

• Online with ID: If you have a valid Virginia driver’s license or state ID, you can register online via the Virginia Department of Elections website. 

• In-person: If you’d like to register in person, visit your local voter registration office and provide a valid form of photo ID from this list. You can find your local office using this tool. Voter registration forms may also be available at some public libraries, Virginia DMV offices, and government offices throughout the state. You can also download the registration form and return it in person. 
• By mail: To register by mail, print the voter registration form from the Virginia Department of Elections and mail it to your local voter registrar by the deadline listed below. Find your local office here. 

• Election Day registration: Virginia residents may register to vote on Election Day with a provisional ballot. To do so, visit your local polling place during open hours on Election Day and speak to a poll worker. Find your local polling place here. 

WHEN TO REGISTER: 

• Online voter registration deadline: You must submit your online voter application at least 22 days before an election. For the general election “22 days before” means Tuesday, October 15, 2024. 

• In-person voter registration deadline: You must return your in-person voter application at least 22 days before an election. For the general election “22 days before” means Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
• By-mail voter registration deadline: Your mailed voter application must be postmarked at least 22 days before an election. For the general election “22 days before” means Tuesday, October 15, 2024. 

Next, it’s time to head to the polls—or to your mailbox. Virginia voters have several options when it comes to submitting their ballot.

IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING:

Early voting allows voters to vote ahead of time at a polling place, much like they would on Election Day. Voters physically show up to a polling site and complete their ballots in person. Per the Virginia Department of Elections website, “You can vote early at your local registrar’s office beginning 45 days before Election Day and ending the Saturday before Election Day.” To find specific early voting locations and times, use this tool. 

VOTING ABSENTEE/BY MAIL: 

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. Find your local office here. You may also return your completed form via email or fax to your local voter registration office; simply contact your local office for instructions on proper email addresses and fax numbers.

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 may also have the option to drop off your ballot in a dropbox or other designated location, which should be listed on your ballot when you receive it. 

Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day (Tuesday, November 5, 2024) and received by noon the third day (Friday) following an election. Ballots returned in person must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

ELECTION DAY VOTING: 

Voting in person on Election Day requires a bit of planning, but you’ll also probably get a nifty “I Voted” sticker! To vote in person, double check your polling location by visiting the Virginia Department of Elections website. Your location might be a local church, school, or other community building close to your registered address. 

Polls are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. If you are already in line when polls close, you have the right to vote. Stay in line. 

MUST-KNOW DATES:

Friday, September 20, 2024: First day of early in-person voting

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)