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What you need to know before heading to the polls in Virginia
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What you need to know before heading to the polls in Virginia

Election Day 2024 is upon us, and with it comes plenty of information Virginians need to know about voting and how to make informed decisions once in the voting booth. Here’s a quick guide with all the information you need to know.

WHEN DO THE POLLS OPEN/CLOSE?

Polling stations will open at 6 a.m. As long as you are in line to vote before 7 p.m., you can still vote when the polls close at 7 p.m.

WHERE CAN I GO TO VOTE?

The Department of Elections maintains a polling place finder page on its website. Enter your address HERE and the system will tell you where your polling station is.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM REGISTERED TO VOTE?

You can easily check your voter registration status on the Department of Elections website. Click HERE to check your registration status.

CAN I REGISTER TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY?

Yes, Virginia allows residents to register to vote on Election Day and vote with a provisional ballot. According to the Virginia Department of Elections, provisional ballots are subject to approval by the local election board after the ballots are counted. To register the same day, you will need to go to the polling station in the constituency where you live.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO VOTE?

You do not have to show proof that you are registered to vote in Virginia in order to vote, but you must bring a acceptable ID. Here are all your options for some form of identification:

  • Virginia Driver’s License
  • Card issued by Virginia DMV
  • Valid employee identification card, containing a photograph, issued by the voter’s employer in the ordinary course of business (public or private employer)
  • US Military ID Card
  • Valid student ID card issued by a public or private high school or institution of higher education located in Virginia
  • Valid student ID card, containing a photograph, issued by a public or private institution of higher education located in the United States
  • Valid US passport or passport card
  • Identification card issued by the government of a federal, Virginia, or local political subdivision
  • Voter card issued by the Department of Elections
  • Voter Confirmation Documents
  • Valid tribal registration or other tribal identification
  • Nursing home resident ID card
  • Current utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck containing the voter’s name and address
  • Any other current government document containing the name and address of the voter
  • Signed Identity Confirmation Statement

WHO IS ON MY BALLOT?

Two specific races appear on every ballot in Virginia: the presidential election and the U.S. Senate election. Beyond that, each region has more localized elections on its ballots which can vary between congressional elections, city council elections, mayoral elections, etc.

We’re bringing you every major race across the state and in the ABC13 viewing area, breaking down each candidate and their key race positions. To view these articles, go to our home page HERE and click on the race you want to learn more about.

WHEN DO WE KNOW THE ELECTION RESULTS?

Immediately after the polls close, at 7 p.m., the counting process begins for elections in the state of Virginia and across the country. While it is too early to know how soon the races will be called, ABC13 will be monitoring all races and will have a live election results tracker at the top of our website HERE once the polls are complete.