Virginia Early Voting Begins Friday: Key Details Inside

Overview of the 2025 Virginia Election

As the 2025 Virginia election season reaches its peak, voters across the state are preparing for a significant moment in their political journey. After weeks of intense campaigning through advertisements, mailers, debates, and rallies, early voting is set to begin on Friday, September 19. This election will determine who will hold various positions at every level of government, from local offices to statewide roles.

The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press have collaborated to provide an essential resource for voters: the 757 Votes voter guide. This comprehensive guide offers insights into the races that will be on the ballot and the candidates vying for office. The guide includes detailed Q&As with candidates running for statewide offices, House of Delegates seats, and constitutional officers in cities. It will be fully published in the newspaper on October 19, giving voters ample time to make informed decisions.

Key Races on the Ballot

This year’s election features several high-profile races. Voters will choose the next governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general for the next four years. In the race for governor, Democrat Abigail Spanberger will face Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. For the position of lieutenant governor, Republican John Reid and Democrat Ghazala Hashmi are competing for the role of the governor's second-in-command. Meanwhile, Democrat Jay Jones is challenging Republican incumbent Jason Miyares for the position of commonwealth’s attorney.

All 100 seats in Virginia’s House of Delegates are also up for grabs. Candidates from districts representing Hampton Roads are included in the election guide, as these legislators serve two-year terms in the General Assembly. Additionally, cities across Virginia have constitutional offices on the ballot this year, including sheriffs, commonwealth’s attorneys, commissioners of revenue, and treasurers. Each of these officials will serve for four years.

Residents of Norfolk and Chesapeake will also have special elections for school board positions on their ballots. In Virginia Beach, voters will decide on a ballot referendum question regarding the preferred election system for future elections. In James City County, voters will choose seats on the Board of Supervisors and on the school board.

Voting Options and Important Dates

Early voting begins on September 19, and the last day to vote early in person is November 1. The deadline to register to vote or update registration is October 24, but voters may still register after this date through Election Day on November 4 using a provisional ballot.

All localities offer early voting, and voters can only cast their ballots in the jurisdiction where they are registered. Voters can cast ballots in person at their voter registrar’s office. Hours of operation may vary, so it is recommended that voters contact their registrar’s office or visit www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/early-voting-office-locations/ for more information.

Registered voters can request an absentee ballot either in-person, by mail, or by contacting their general registrar’s office. An online application is also available at vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation. No reason is needed to request an absentee ballot. Once submitted, voters can track their absentee ballot by logging into Ballot Scout.

If voters are returning their ballots by mail, they must ensure that the ballot is postmarked on or before Election Day and received by their general registrar’s office by noon on November 7. Voters can also return ballots at the general registrar’s office or polling location on Election Day.

Key Dates to Remember

Here are the important dates voters should note:

• In-person voting: September 19 through November 1
• Deadline to register to vote or update registration: October 24
• Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot: 5 p.m. on October 24
• Election Day: November 4
• Deadline for absentee ballots to be delivered by mail to the registrar: November 7

These dates are crucial for ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the democratic process. As the election approaches, staying informed and planning ahead will help voters make the most of their opportunity to shape the future of Virginia.