Vote By Mail
How to Vote by Mail for College and University Students in Virginia
- Register to Vote:
- Ensure you are registered to vote in Virginia. You can check your registration status or register online at the Virginia Department of Elections website: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation
- When you register, you should receive confirmation of registration within two weeks. If you don’t receive it, contact the Virginia Department of Elections.
- Request an Absentee Ballot Once Registration is Confirmed
- Visit the Virginia Department of Elections absentee ballot request page and complete the online request form.
- You must request your absentee ballot by 5 PM Friday before Election Day
- You will be asked what address you prefer to receive your ballot: home or another location (it can NOT be a PO Box).
- Receive Your Ballot:
- Once your request is processed, you will receive your absentee ballot in the mail. Mail-in Ballots are sent out on the first day of early voting. If your ballot is not received in a timely manner, contact the Department of Elections. Ballots can be mailed starting 45 days before election day.
- Fully read the instructions provided with your ballot and follow them precisely. There will be multiple envelopes.
- Mark your choices on the ballot using a black or blue pen. Make sure to fill in the ovals completely.
- Prepare Your Ballot for Mailing:
- Place your completed ballot in the “B” envelope.
- Complete the “B” envelope as indicated including your signature. This information is required for your vote to be counted.
- Put this completed envelope in the return envelope to mail.
- Mail Your Ballot:
- Mail your ballot as soon as possible to ensure it is postmarked by Election Day and received by the deadline.
- You can use a drop box or take your ballot to the local election office only where you are registered, otherwise, it must be mailed.
- Track Your Ballot
- You can track the status of your absentee ballot on the Virginia Department of Elections website.
- Decide to Vote In Person after receiving a Mail-In ballot
If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact the Virginia Department of Elections at (800) 552-9745 or email them at info@elections.virginia.gov.