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Absentee Voting Resources
Learn more about Absentee Voting.
Absentee Information
- Request an Absentee Ballot Online
- Vote By Mail Virginia Absentee Application Form
- Track your absentee ballot status
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Absentee Voting Myths
1. Absentee ballots are not counted unless it is a close election?
False - Absentee Ballots are tabulated in the Central Absentee Precinct on Election Day
2. I have to mail back my absentee ballot through the U.S. Postal Service?
False - Voters may return their absentee ballots by USPS mail, courier delivery (DHL, Federal Express, UPS, etc.) or in person to our office (City Hall Building) during office hours.
3. Someone else may return my absentee ballot to the Registrar's Office?
False - Voters must return their own ballot in person.
4. Virginia has early voting
False - Virginia offers no-excuse in person absentee voting beginning 45 days prior to the election. In addition to regular office hours, the Registrar's office is open the two Saturdays preceding the election for in person absentee voting.
5. Mail Voting and Absentee Voting are the same thing
False - Some states offer mail voting which requires the Registrar's office to automatically mail a ballot to each registered voter. Typically, in these states voters will register by Party so that they may receive the correct Primary ballot when Primary Elections occur. Absentee Voting by mail requires the voter to submit an absentee ballot application form to request a ballot to be sent to them.
6. My absentee ballot must be delivered by Election Day to be counted
False - Absentee ballots must either returned in person by the voter by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day -OR- postmarked by Election Day and received by the local Registrar Office by noon on the third business day after the election in order to be counted.
7. I have to complete an absentee ballot application for every election I want to vote by mail for
False - You may indicate on the absentee ballot application form that you want to receive absentee ballots by mail for the calendar year. Please be sure to indicate Party preference if you would like to receive a ballot for a Primary Election as Virginians do not register by party.
8. Once I am on the Annual absentee Ballot list I will automatically receive ballots every year
False - You must return the annual absentee ballot application form each year to remain on the annual absentee ballot list. Renewal forms are mailed by the Registrar's Office in December to voters for the next calendar year. You may also renew or request an absentee ballot online through the Virginia Department of Elections website.