Millions of Americans tuned in to the first presidential debate Tuesday night – and many have expressed their differing opinions on what transpired between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden.
Chaotic is one way many described the exchange.
So, there’s no question it’s heating up, the election season this year, that is. Political ads are a dime a dozen and information on absentee and early voting can, at times, be confusing especially during the coronavirus.
So, here’s a quick guide to voting, courtesy of the League of Women Voters of the Williamsburg Area. This includes information for Williamsburg, James City and York counties:
Can I vote?
You must be 18 or older on Election Day, a U.S. citizen, and registered to vote. Register or check your registration status by Oct. 13
What voter ID do I need?
Legislation that repeals Virginia’s law requiring photo identification to vote went into effect July and will be applicable in the general election in November. voters are now allowed to show other documents that display their name and address.
Bring your ID with you when you early vote, if you drop off an absentee ballot in person or if you vote on Election Day.
- Photo ID no longer required.
- Acceptable IDs: Virginia driver’s license, voter registration card, utility bill, other documents containing your name and address, employer-supplied ID with photo, or college-issued student ID.
- Voters who do not have an acceptable ID may sign a sworn ID confirmation.
When and where do I vote?
Vote early in person: Sept. 18 – Oct. 31 | Monday-Friday | Two Saturdays, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 | Curbside voting available.
You must vote at the early voting location(s) for the locality where you’re registered.
- Registered in Williamsburg: Williamsburg Municipal Center, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: 401 Lafayette St., 757-220-6157.
- Registered in James City County: James City County Rec Center, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., 5301 Longhill Road, 757-259-4949.
- Registered in York County:, 6614 Mooretown Road, Suite A or 5300 George Washington Memorial Highway, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 757- 890-3440
Vote absentee by mail
Request a ballot online or by mail before Oct. 23. Use Citizen Portal or call your Voter Registrar. Vote your ballot, put it in the supplied envelope, sign the envelope and return it ASAP:
- By mail, postmarked no later than Nov. 3. (no postage required)
- Drop off to early voting location by Nov. 2
- Take to additional ballot drop off locations for James City County voters by Oct. 30
- Take it to Registrar’s Office by Nov. 3.
- Bring it to your polling place on Election Day, Nov. 3.
Your ballot does not need to be witnessed. You may bring someone else’s sealed ballot to a ballot drop box or early voting location.
Vote on election day, Nov. 3: Polls open 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Curbside voting available.
Additional ballot drop off locations in James City County:
- James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Road (Monday-Friday, Oct. 19-Oct. 30; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Abram Fink Jr. Community Center, 8901 Pocahontas Trail (Monday-Friday, Oct. 19-Oct. 30; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; no in-person voting)
Use the Citizen Portal link to check for updates, track your absentee ballot, find your polling place and more.
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CHECK OUT THESE STORIES:
- Trump rally on the Peninsula: ‘We’ve achieved more in 47 months than Joe Biden has achieved in 47 years’
- Local voter registrars face unique struggles in coming election cycle — pandemic, reassuring voters on election integrity, poll workers
- Resolution: W&M Student Assembly calls administration lack of transparency about sports cuts ‘appalling’
- Historic Jamestowne to unveil new barracks in October
