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Absentee voters must complete their ballot in the presence of a witness, who must also sign the absentee ballot envelope. If a ballot envelope is missing a witness signature, the voter will be contacted within three days of receipt by the local voter registration office and asked to correct it.
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COVID-19 info

Virginia absentee ballot deadlines

Request deadlines

  • In Person: Received 3 days before Election Day.
  • By Mail: Received 11 days before Election Day.
  • Online: Received 11 days before Election Day.

Ballot deadlines

  • Voted ballots are due: Postmarked by Election Day and received by noon 3 days after Election Day.

Virginia absentee ballot rules

Any registered Virginia voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail.

Virginia absentee ballot directions

  1. Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
  2. Sign and date the form. This is very important!
  3. Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We'll provide the mailing address for you.
  4. All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. Your Local Election Official will also let you fax or email the application.
  5. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
  6. Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.

Tracking your ballot

You can track your ballot directly with your state.

Once you receive your ballot...

  1. Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  2. Sign and date where indicated.
  3. Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
  4. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.

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