The Constitution of Virginia requires that you be registered in the precinct in which you live in order to be qualified to vote. You do not register by party in Virginia.

In order to register to vote you must:

• Be a United States citizen and a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Be at least 18 years old, or be 17 years old with an impending 18th birthday that will occur on or before a November general election.
• Have your voting rights restored if you have ever been convicted of a felony.
• Have had your capacity restored if you have been declared mentally incapacitated in a Circuit Court.

You must complete and submit a Voter Registration application online, in person at the Office of Elections, or by mail. Click here to print a paper application in English. Click here to print a paper application in Spanish (En Español).

Citizens may also register to vote at the following Virginia state agency entities:

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Departments of Health
• Game and Inland Fisheries
• Mental Health
• Military recruitment offices
• Rehabilitative Services
• Rights of Virginians with Disabilities Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Social Services Department
• Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
• Visually Handicapped

The deadline to register to vote in-person and by mail is 5:00 PM on October 15, 2024. You can register online on October 15, 2024 until 11:59 PM. (Voters may register after this date, through Election Day, and vote using a provisional ballot).

Did you move or have you changed your name?

You may update your information (name, address) online, in person at the Office of Elections, or by mail by completing a new voter registration application.

You may cancel your voter registration by printing this form and submitting it to the Richmond City Office of Elections, either by mail, email, fax, or in person.

You or your organization may conduct a voter registration drive at public locations within the community. Our office will be happy to advise you in planning a successful drive and answering any questions you might have. All individuals or organizations requesting twenty-five (25) or more voter registration applications must register and complete certified training provided by the Department of Elections.

Don’ts for Voter Registration Drives

1. Do not intentionally solicit multiple registrations from any one person or seek to re-register a voter whose registration is current. Violating this is a Class 5 felony.
2. Do not communicate false information to a registered voter, including misleading information about their registration status. This is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
3. Do not complete or accept applications from individuals who you know are ineligible to vote, such as felons whose rights have not been restored or nonresidents of Virginia.
4. Do not accept applications from anyone using a fictitious name or alias. Doing so is considered election fraud, a Class 5 felony.
5. Do not persuade a voter to provide false information on their voter registration application. This may constitute a felony.
6. Do not destroy, alter, or change a completed registration application. Destroying or falsifying an application is prohibited and may lead to criminal penalties.
7. Do not pre-populate the registration blanks on an application unless directed by the applicant. Third parties are not allowed to fill in required applicant information.
8. Do not refuse to provide a registration application based on race, religion, or political affiliation. Discrimination in registration drives is a violation of federal law and can endanger your organization's tax-exempt status.
9. Do not misuse or disclose personal information from a voter registration application, especially Social Security numbers. Unauthorized disclosure or fraudulent use of personal information is a crime.
10. Do not bribe, threaten, coerce, or intimidate voters into registering to vote. This is prohibited under both state and federal law.
11. Do not write or attach anything to the voter registration application related to candidates or ballot measures.
12. Do not charge anyone for a registration application or for assistance in completing one. This is explicitly prohibited under federal law.

Anyone convicted of a felony in Virginia automatically loses their civil rights – the right to vote, serve on a jury, run for office, become a public notary, and carry a firearm. The Constitution of Virginia gives the Governor the sole discretion to restore civil rights, not including firearm rights. Individuals seeking restoration of their civil rights are encouraged to contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office.

To be eligible for restoration of civil rights, an individual must be free from any term of incarceration resulting from felony convictions. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office works with the Department of Corrections to identify individuals who have been released and may be eligible to have their rights restored.

If you have questions, or if you would like to check to see if your civil rights have been restored, please contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth at the following website (www.restore.virginia.gov), or you can call the office at (804) 692-0104.

Same Day Registration allows eligible voters to register and vote on the same day, even if they missed the regular registration deadline. This can be done during early voting or on Election Day. Here’s why it’s important:

1. Increases Voter Access: Voters who miss the regular registration deadline can still participate in the election, making voting more accessible to everyone.
2. Promotes Voter Turnout: By removing barriers, SDR encourages higher voter participation, particularly among young people and those who move frequently.
3. Corrects Registration Errors: If you discover your registration information is outdated or incorrect on Election Day, you can update it and still vote.

How Does Same Day Registration Work?

Same Day Registration allows individuals to register in person and vote immediately by casting a provisional ballot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Same Day Registration new in Virginia?

Yes. Starting with the 2022 General Election, the General Assembly passed legislation that allows voters to register up to and including Election Day.

How is this different from previous registration rules?

Previously, registration closed 21 days before an election. Now registration is allowed, with some limitations, during this 21-day period before an election.

What is a provisional ballot?

Provisional ballots are used by voters whose names don’t appear on the registered voter list at their polling place. These ballots are not counted immediately; instead, they are reviewed by the electoral board before being approved or denied.

What happens to my provisional ballot after I vote?

Our office will research your ballot to verify if you’re qualified to vote. This information will then be forwarded to the electoral board for approval.

How will I know if my provisional ballot is counted?

After voting, you’ll receive a notice with the date, time, and place where the local electoral board will decide on your ballot. You are allowed to attend this meeting but are not required to. If your registration is approved, your ballot will be counted. If it is denied, you’ll receive a written notice.

Who can use Same Day Registration?

Anyone qualified to register can use SDR. However, if you are already registered in another locality and are updating your registration, you may be eligible to vote a non-provisional ballot instead.

When can I use Same Day Registration?

Same Day Registration is available after October 15^th.

Where can I use Same Day Registration?

During early voting, you can register at the Office of Elections or at one of our satellite locations. On Election Day, you must go to the polling place for your precinct.

How do I find my polling place?

To find your polling place, visit our precincts page and use the Voter Precinct app to enter your current address.