The November 2024 elections will see Virginians voting for president, U.S. senator, the U.S. House of Representatives and, in some places, local offices. Cardinal News’ voter guide answers common questions about how to vote and what will be on your ballot.
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Key dates
When does voting begin?
September 20: Early voting begins at your local registrar’s office.
October 15: Deadline to register to vote if you’re not already registered. (Voters may register after this date using a provisional ballot). Are you registered to vote? Check here.
October 25: Deadline to apply for a mail ballot.
November 2: Last day to vote early in-person at your local registrar’s office. Offices close at 5 p.m.
November 5: In-person voting day at regular polling place. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where is my polling place?
How to vote
Can I vote with an out-of-state or expired license?
Yes. If you get to your polling place without an acceptable ID, you can sign a statement affirming your identity and vote on a regular ballot, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. If your license is expired, you can still use it to vote.
How can I vote by mail in Virginia?
You can request a mail-in ballot for the primary election until October 25.
Request the mail-in ballot on Virginia’s election portal, or by mailing an application for an absentee ballot to your local voter registration office. You can find the address for your voter registration office on the Virginia Department of Elections website.
You can also request an absentee ballot up to 11 days until October 25. After October 25, only emergency absentee ballots are available until the day before the election. To qualify for an emergency absentee ballot, you need to have a serious conflict (like a work conflict, or a health issue of an immediate family member).
Can I vote early in-person?
Yes. You can vote early in-person at your local registrar’s office. You can find the location of the general registrar’s office in your jurisdiction and read more about early voting on the Virginia Department of Elections’ website.
When do polls open?
Polls will be open between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday Nov. 5.
If you are in line by 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.
Can I vote from jail in Virginia?
In many cases, yes. If you do not have a felony conviction, or if the governor has restored your right to vote after a felony conviction, you can vote – even from jail. This includes if you are being detained awaiting your court date, or are in jail for a misdemeanor conviction.
If you have a felony conviction, you can petition the governor to restore your voting rights.
Not sure if you’re eligible to vote?
Check your registration status at virginia.gov.
You can also check out this guide on how to vote in Virginia and read ProPublica’s guide on voting accessibility for more information.
Federal candidates
U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives, 5th District
Local candidates
Lynchburg Ward I City Council
Lynchburg Ward II City Council
Lynchburg Ward III City Council
Lynchburg Ward IV City Council
We sent questionnaires to all the candidates. Here are their answers.
