2021 VOTING IN VIRGINIA

All eyes will be on Virginia this year, as voters go to the polls in November to elect a new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General, as well as the entire House of Delegates. However, Virginians must first vote in the primary election on June 8th to decide who will be on the ballot in November.

Voting in the primary election is how voters set the stage of who they want to see on the ballot in the general elections. Your primary vote is an expression of what’s most important to you – from policies to state funding to everything in between, you’re voting for the leaders who will fight for what you and your community care about.

Learn more about the positions up for election and make a plan to vote using our checklist below and the tabs above!

Checklist: Are you ready to vote in 2021?

  • Register to vote or check your current registration status

  • Learn what’s on the ballot

  • Plan how and when you will vote

  • Tell your friends & family to vote!

4.24

First day of early voting in-person

5.17

Deadline to register to vote and to update your voter information

5.28

Deadline to request absentee ballot by mail, fax, or email

6.05

Last day for early voting in-person

6.08

Election Day; last day for mail-in absentee ballots to be postmarked

6.11

Last day for mail-in absentee ballots to be received by your local registrar’s office - by 12pm
register to vote or update your voter registration!

Update your voter registration if you have moved or changed your name.

The deadline to register to vote or update your voter information to vote in the primary election is May 17.

If you don’t have a Virginia driver’s license or state-issued ID, register either:

After submitting your voter registration, you should receive a notification in the mail confirming your registration status. If you do not receive one, contact your local registrar’s office to make sure that your application has been processed or check your voter record online.

Statewide Offices

The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General represent all Virginians.

For these statewide offices, the Republican Party will hold a nominating convention on May 8. Participants must be a member of the Republican Party in order to vote. However, any registered Virginian voter can vote in the June 8 open primaries.

Governor

The Governor is the chief executive officer of Virginia and is up for election every four years. Once elected, the individual cannot run again in the following election.

Responsibilities include:

  • Signs state bills into law or vetoes them
  • Carries out Virginia’s laws
  • Prepares the state’s budget
  • Appoints cabinet members
learn more about the candidates

Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor is president of the Senate of Virginia and is first in the line of succession to the Governor. This position is up for election every four years.

Responsibilities include:

  • Presides over the Senate
  • Casts the tie breaking vote in the Senate
  • Takes over if something happens to the Governor
learn more about the candidates

Attorney General

The Attorney General represents the interests of the people of Virginia and the Virginia government in court. This position is up for election every four years.

Responsibilities include:

  • Chief legal advisor to the governor and the General Assembly
  • Chief lawyer of the Commonwealth
  • Head of the Department of Law
  • Defends the constitutionality of state laws
learn more about the candidates

State House of Delegates

A state Delegate represents their House district.

If there is a “dual” primary for your House district (a primary for a Republican candidate and a primary for a Democratic candidate), you will need to request whether you want a ballot for the Republican candidates or for the Democratic candidates. If you live in a House district where there is only one primary for one party, you will be given the ballot for that party. If there are not multiple candidates from the same party, there will be no primary for your House district on June 8, but in November, there may be one candidate from each party or a candidate may be running unopposed.

For these statewide offices, the Republican Party will hold a nominating convention on May 8. Click here for more information on how to get involved through your local Republican Party Committee.

State House of Delegates

The Virginia House of Delegates consists of 100 members. Each Delegate is elected from and represents a separate and distinct district for a term of two years. The House of Delegates and Senate together comprise Virginia’s legislature (the General Assembly). Delegates work alongside the Governor to create state laws and establish a state budget.

Responsibilities include:

  • Meet with constituents, listen to their concerns, and advocate for their best interests
  • Pass bills on public policy matters including education, healthcare, social services, and public safety
  • Review and revise the state budget
  • Vote to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes
find your districtlearn more about your district's candidates

Due to COVID-19, voters are encouraged to vote by mail to ensure social distancing, or vote early to avoid long lines on Election Day. Learn about the different voting options, decide which is best for you, and make sure you are prepared to make your voice heard!

Voting By Mail (Absentee Ballot)

Apply for your absentee ballot online or on paper.

Follow all instructions to fill out your ballot accurately.

Return your ballot by mail or in person.

REMINDERS:

  • Any registered voter can vote absentee for any reason.
  • All mail-in ballots are trackable. Track your ballot at nakasec.org/vote.
  • Request and return your ballot as soon as possible to avoid mail delays!

Early Voting In-Person

Visit your local registrar’s office from April 24 to June 5.

Bring an acceptable form of ID or sign an ID confirmation statement.

  • You are required to show one form of identification but it does not need to be a photo ID. Acceptable IDs include any government document that shows your name and address, or a bank statement, utility bill, or paycheck. Find a complete list of acceptable IDs here.
  • If you don’t have an acceptable ID, you will be allowed to vote if you sign an ID statement affirming your identity.

REMINDER: You do not need to fill out an application or have a reason to vote early in-person.

Voting on Election Day

Visit your polling location on Tuesday, June 8, between 6 am and 7pm.

Bring an acceptable form of ID or sign an ID confirmation statement.

  • You will need to show one form of identification but it does not need to be a photo ID. Acceptable IDs include any government document that shows your name and address, or a bank statement, utility bill, or paycheck. Find a complete list of acceptable IDs here.
  • If you don’t have an acceptable ID, you will be allowed to vote if you sign an ID statement affirming your identity.
I Vote Because my voice mattersPlay Video

I Vote Because… 1:41

NAKASEC VA staff and community members share why we vote!

Charlene: ... because I could finally have a say in what the government would look like and what I want my future to bePlay Video

WE ARE VOTERS 2:39

We asked new, young voters across Virginia why people like them should vote.

Have questions or need help voting? Call the following hotlines:

  • Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Urdu, Hindi, and Bengali: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)

  • English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)

  • Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (866-839-8682)

  • Arabic: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)

Get Involved

Interested in promoting civic engagement in your community? Email Ha Nguyen at hanguyen@nakasec.org or fill out this interest form!

We’re in need of volunteers for the following activities; training will be provided for all:

  • Phone-banking

  • Texting

  • Relational Organizing

sign up today!