What is an absentee ballot, and how do I get one in Virginia this year?

During the 2020 session of the Virginia General Assembly, state lawmakers voted in favor of “no excuse” absentee voting. That meant Virginians could vote in-person up to 45 days before Election Day using an absentee ballot without having to first provide a reason—and those same provisions still apply today.

Will you be away from home on Tuesday, Nov. 5? In Virginia, there are ample opportunities to vote before Election Day—but that hasn’t always been the case. 

In the “olden days” (okay, pre-COVID), Virginians could cast an early ballot only if they met certain requirements. When the pandemic hit, that changed. 

During the 2020 session of the Virginia General Assembly, state lawmakers voted in favor of “no excuse” absentee voting. That meant Virginians could vote in-person up to 45 days before Election Day using an absentee ballot without having to first provide a reason. The law took effect on July 1, 2020, and those same provisions still apply today.

In-person early voting

Early voting allows voters to vote ahead of time at a polling place, much like they would on Election Day. Starting Friday, Sept. 20 and ending Saturday, Nov. 2, 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; and no, 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. 

Here’s 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. 

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.

Important absentee voting dates

There are a handful of dates to keep in mind if you’re planning to vote using an absentee ballot. We’re rounded them up for you, in order, here.

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

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)