Voter Registration

Virginia Voter Registration Requirements

To be eligible to register to vote in Virginia, a person must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Residents who meet all other qualifications may preregister to vote if they’re 16 years of age or older. Voters who are 17 years of age, but will be 18 years of age by the next general election, may vote in any upcoming primary or special elections.
    Citation: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title24.2/chapter4/section24.2-403.1/\
    Citation: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title24.2/chapter4/section24.2-403/

  • Be a resident of Virginia. A person who has come to Virginia for temporary purposes and intends to return to another state or locality is not considered a resident for voting purposes.
  • Is not claiming residence or the right to vote in any other state.
  • Is not currently declared incapacitated by a court of law.
  • If convicted of a felony, voting rights have been restored.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the state of Virginia, early in-person absentee voting begins 45 days before the election.

You can change the address listed on your voter registration online with the Virginia Department of Elections.

Use the link "Contact Your Home State for Information" to access state specific information from all 50 states OR... register to vote on the National Voter Registration Application which is accepted by all states. Send your completed application to the locality of residence.

Each state has a process for voting by absentee ballot for those who are absent on Election Day. Use the link "Contact Your Home State for Information" to access state specific information and absentee applications for your home state. The absentee process is quick and easy. Being away at college is likely a qualifying reason to vote absentee in your state.

As of July 1, you do not need an excuse to request an absentee ballot in the state of Virginia. Any registered voter is able to vote absentee in elections.

  • Voting precinct and districts are determined by your physical location on campus.
  • In order to assign you to the correct voting districts and precinct, you must provide the exact location on campus where you reside.
  • A registration application can only be processed if all requested information is provided and all questions are answered.
  • Information must be updated when you move.

On the Virginia Voter Registration Application, Residence (Permanent) Home Address line, list your residence hall/living quarters:

Street Number - Street Name - Room/Apt #

A Voter Information Notice will be mailed to you within 30 days. This notice contains information about your voting districts and polling place. This notice can also be used as proof of identification to vote in person.

NOTE: Once your Virginia registration is confirmed, cancel any previous registration. Still have questions? E-mail us at vote@norfolk.gov or call 757-664-4353.