The introvert’s guide to Virginia voting in 2024

You can always skip the lines and vote by mail—or if you prefer to vote in person, here are some tips and tricks to minimize interactions.

If the thought of seeing people—especially in large groups—doesn’t vibe with you, then the mere thought of voting might rile your anxiety. Thankfully in Virginia, you don’t even have to step foot in a polling precinct to cast your ballot; or if you choose to vote in person, there are ways to minimize your interactions with folks.

If you’re planning to vote in person, early voting could be a good option for you. A big change happened when COVID hit in 2020. For the first time, Virginia offered no-excuse absentee voting. That means that up to 45 days before an election, Virginians can cast their ballot. 

Early voting begins on Friday, Sept. 20 and ends on Saturday, Nov. 2. To find specific early voting locations and times, use this tool. In 2020, about half of all registered Virginia voters (2.75 million out of 5.9 million) chose the early voting route—but they didn’t all head to the polls at once.

If you’re looking to vote early in person with a smaller possibility of a crowd, you’ll likely want to avoid going the first day the polls open, as well as waiting until the day polls close. If you choose to vote on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 5, we suggest avoiding the 6 a.m. rush when polls open, around noon when many people may go to vote on their lunch break, and when the lines close at 7 p.m.

What if you don’t want to see people at all? There’s an option for that, too: Voting by mail.

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. 

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, November 5, 2024) and received by noon the third day following an election. Ballots returned in person must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.