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2026 Elections
How to Vote in Virginia: 2028 Deadlines, Early Voting & Poll Hours
Everything you need to vote in Virginia for the November 7, 2028 general election — when to register, when early voting opens, how to vote by mail, and when polls close.
Rules as of September 17, 2026 · verify at Virginia's official election site
Election Day
November 7, 2028
Quick Answer
- Register By
- 11 days before Election Day
- Early Voting
- Opens ≈ Sep 19, 2026
- Mail Ballot Request By
- 11 days before Election Day at 5 p.m.
- Polls Close
- 7 p.m. ET
- Election Day
- November 7, 2028
Build your Virginia voting plan
Choose how you plan to vote and we'll narrow the checklist below to the steps and dates that apply to you.
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Same-day registration
Same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day.
Official source →Nov 7, 2028
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Nov 7, 2028
What's on Your Virginia Ballot
Every U.S. House seat is up for election every two years. Whether a U.S. Senate seat is also on the ballot depends on the state.
U.S. House of Representatives
All of Virginia's U.S. House seats are on the 2028 ballot. View Virginia's current delegation →
U.S. Senate
On the ballotThe November matchup: Bert Mizusawa (R) vs Mark Warner (D).
Supreme Court of Virginia
Not this cycleNo Supreme Court of Virginia seat is up in 2028. Local judges may be on your ballot too. How Virginia chooses its judges →
To see every race you will vote on — including judges and local measures — check your sample ballot from your county or local election office, starting at Virginia's official election site.
Find your Virginia representative and senators
Enter your address to see exactly who represents you before you vote.
Voter Registration in Virginia
To vote in the November 7, 2028 general election, register by 11 days before Election Day.
Virginia also allows same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day.
Dates marked ≈ are computed from state statute and can shift with county practice. Confirm your exact deadline and check your registration status at Virginia's official site.
Early Voting in Virginia
Early voting opens ≈ September 19, 2026 — 45 days before Election Day. It runs through 5 p.m. Saturday before Election Day.
Confirm exact locations and hours — which vary by county — at Virginia's official election site.
Voting by Mail in Virginia
Any registered voter in Virginia may request a mail ballot — no excuse required. Request deadline: 11 days before Election Day at 5 p.m..
Return rule: Postmarked on or before Election Day; must be received before noon the third day after the election (changes to 5 p.m. Jan 1, 2027)
Track your ballot: look up your record at Virginia's voter portal to see when your ballot was mailed, received and accepted.
Details and request forms are at Virginia's official election site.
Voter ID Requirements in Virginia
A non-photo document showing name and address (such as a utility bill or bank statement) is accepted alongside or instead of a photo ID.
See the full list of accepted ID at Virginia's official election site.
Poll Hours in Virginia
Polls are open until 7 p.m. ET on November 7, 2028.
See how Virginia's closing time compares nationwide on the full poll closing times by state page, or confirm your local hours at Virginia's official election site.
When Virginia Certifies Its Results
Election-night totals are unofficial. The count becomes official in two steps:
- Local: Local electoral boards (counties and cities) — by about November 13, 2026. Within 10 days of the election.
- Statewide: State Board of Elections — December 7, 2026 on the 2026 calendar. By the first Monday in December; may adjourn up to three days.
Certifying is a required step, not a second vote on the result. What happens if a local board won’t sign off, every state’s deadlines and how a result can be challenged are on how election results are certified.
Live on Congress Countdown
Live countdown to Election Day — and every date in between
Registration deadlines, early voting, and the full 2026 election calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline to register to vote in Virginia?
11 days before Election Day Confirm the exact date at https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/how-to-register/.
Can I vote early in person in Virginia?
Yes. Early voting opens around September 19, 2026 (45 days before Election Day) and runs through 5 p.m. Saturday before Election Day.
Do I need ID to vote in Virginia?
A non-photo document showing name and address (such as a utility bill or bank statement) is accepted alongside or instead of a photo ID.
When do polls close in Virginia?
Polls close 7 p.m. ET on November 7, 2028.
How do I vote by mail in Virginia?
Request a ballot (no excuse needed) — 11 days before Election Day at 5 p.m.. Postmarked on or before Election Day; must be received before noon the third day after the election (changes to 5 p.m. Jan 1, 2027)
Is it too late to register to vote in Virginia?
11 days before Election Day Confirm at https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/how-to-register/.
How do I track my mail ballot in Virginia?
Look up your voter record at Virginia's voter portal (https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation) to see when your ballot was mailed, received and accepted.
Where can I see a sample ballot for Virginia?
Your county or local election office publishes sample ballots before each election. They list every race you will vote on, including judges and local measures. Start at Virginia's official election site (https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/how-to-register/).