VOTING IN

VIRGINIA

1. In order to vote in VA, you must be:

a. A U.S. Citizen

b. 18 years old by election day

c. A registered voter

d. A resident of the state and of your precinct

2. Requirements for registration

a. Must register a the registrar’s office, the Division of Motor Vehicles, other special sites or by mail.

b. Must provide your Legal nameaddressPlace of birth

Social security numberAnd how long you have lived at your current address

c. Registration and voting is

d.For a general or primary election – a person must register at least 29 days before the election date.

free.

e. For special election – a voter must register at least 14 days before the election

14

3. In Virginia, there is no political party registration.

a. If both parties are holding a primary, a person is only allowed to vote in one party’s election.

1) Primary election – election to choose a party’s candidate to run in the general election.

a) Primary elections are usually held between Feb. and June

2) General election – election to choose a person to hold an officea) Held the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.

4. A person must vote at least once every 4 years in order for his/her name to remain on the voter rolls.

5. Polls open at 6:00 in the morning and close at 7:00 in the evening.

6. Absentee voting- method of voting if you are going to be out of town on election day, if a person is disabled, or if you care for a family member who is ill or disabled.

a. Must fill out an application ahead of time

7. Precinct – local voting district

a. Must vote in the precinct where you live.

8. Polling Place – where you actually vote (school, community center)

9. Voting Restrictions in Virginia:

a. Convicted Felon- must apply to governor to restore your voting rights

b. People who have been declared mentally ill – must get a court order stating they are competent in order to vote again.