FAQs • Roanoke, VA • CivicEngage

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Registering to Vote

1. Can I register to vote in Virginia?: You can register to vote in Virginia if you are a U.S. citizen, your home is in Virginia, you will be age 18 or older by the next general election, your voting rights have been restored if you have been convicted of a felony, and you have received a court order restoring competency if you have been declared mentally incompetent by a circuit court

2. When can I register?: You can register anytime of the year. To vote in a general or primary election, you must register at least 21 days before the election. To vote in a special election, you must register at least 14 days before the election.

3. What is Absentee Voting or Vote by Mail?: Virginia now allows all registered voters to vote absentee in person or by mailed ballot without having to have an excuse or reason before Election Day. Voters wishing to vote before Election Day should complete an application online to receive a ballot by mail. The deadline to return a mailed ballot is Election Day at 7:00 pm. Alternately, voters wishing to vote before Election Day can vote in person in the office Voter Registration and Elections located at 317 Kimball Avenue NE. Acceptable identification is required.

5. What information do I need to register?: You must provide the following information when you register:

- Your full legal name

- Your home address and how long you have lived there

- When and where you were born

- Your social security number

- Any place where you have been a registered voter in Virginia

6. Do I have to state my political party preference?: No. Virginia does not have voter registration by party.

7. How can I register if I am homebound?: If you cannot leave home because you are physically disabled or have a continuing illness, call or write your voter registrar. The registrar will send you a mail-in application for voter registration, which is also available at registrars' offices, DMV offices, public libraries, and other locations.