The November presidential elections are just around the corner, but new information regarding voting can be confusing.
This year’s election will be unique due to the coronavirus pandemic as many localities are encouraging residents to vote absentee as much as possible. However, there are still various ways that voters can cast their ballot this November.
Registration
The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 13, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. Registration can be done online through the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal. Voters can also check their registration through the portal and view their voter record.
Those eligible can also request a voter registration application from their general registrar. In the Historic Triangle, registrars are located at the following:
- York County- 5322 George Washington Memorial Hwy, open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- York County- Victory Village Location, 6614 Mooretown Road Suite A, open 8:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays.
- Williamsburg- 401 Lafayette Street Municipal Building, open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- James City County- 5300 Palmer Lane, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Individuals can also register to vote at their local Department of Motor Vehicles office.
Early voting and absentee ballots
There is also a new in-person early voting option for this election cycle. Between Sept. 18 and Oct. 31, voters can cast their ballots early at their local elections office.
In James City County, early voting and absentee ballot drops-offs will only be done at the James City County Recreation Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday starting Sept. 18 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 24 and Oct. 31.
When voting early in-person, it is important to bring a form of accepted ID. This includes:
- Voter confirmation documents.
- Virginia driver’s license.
- Virginia DMV-issued ID.
- United States passport.
- Employer-issued ID.
- Student ID issued by any community college or university located in the United States.
- Other U.S. or Virginia government-issued ID (including veteran’s ID).
- Tribal enrollment or other tribal ID (if issued by one of the 11 tribes recognized by the state).
- Virginia voter photo ID card.
- A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document containing the name and address of the voter.
Voters are encouraged to submit their ballots by mail to avoid crowds at polling locations this November. Voters can request an absentee ballot online, following a series of prompts and selecting social distancing for the absentee reason.
Absentee ballots can also be printed and mailed to the locality’s office of elections and registrar.
The last day to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 23 and absentee ballots for the November election will be issued at the end of September. The final day to vote in-person absentee is Oct. 31.
In-person voting will still be available on election day.
On Nov. 3, thousands will come out to vote in the 2020 presidential election but it’s important to know your polling place first. Polling locations can be found on the Citizen Portal through the Virginia Department of Elections.
Polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. — those in line by 7 p.m. will still be allowed to vote.
For more information on the November election, visit the Virginia Department of Elections online.
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