Voter Guide: What You Need to Know for Election Day 2024

Published on
11/04/2024
Image of a person voting behind a voting divider that has a graphic of the American flag and the text "VOTE."

 

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WHERE AND WHEN TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY, NOV. 5 

Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you're in line by 7 p.m., you’ll be able to vote. On Election Day, you must cast your ballot at the polling location in the precinct where you are registered to vote, or, if you need to update your registration, you may complete a same-day registration process at the polling location for the precinct in which you currently live.

 

KNOW WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT 

 

BEFORE YOU GO - CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION AND POLLING PLACE 

Before you vote, confirm your voter registration and polling place. Your voter information card lists the name and address of your polling place. You can also confirm your voter registration and polling location using Virginia's online portal or by calling the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776, TTY 711.

 

WHAT TO BRING 

You will be asked to show identification when you vote. This can be a photo ID, such as your Virginia driver’s license (even if expired), a government-issued ID, or a Virginia college ID. You can also use a copy of your current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government-issued document that includes your name and current address.

 

SAME-DAY VOTER REGISTRATION 

You can register to vote on Election Day with same-day registration, but only at the polling place for your precinct. Voters who register on the same day must cast a provisional ballot, which will later be reviewed after the election to verify your eligibility.

 

CURBSIDE AND ACCESSIBLE VOTING 

Curbside voting is available for voters age 65 and older, or for anyone with a physical disability, illness, or injury that prevents them from entering the polling place. When you arrive, look for the "Curbside Voting" sign near the accessible parking area. Call the phone number on the sign to contact an election officer. 

ADA-compliant ballot marking machines are available in four languages that voters with visual impairment or physical disability can use to vote their ballot in privacy. Alternately, voters may formally designate an assistant to help them mark their ballot by completing a form provided by an election officer.

 

RETURN YOUR MAIL-IN BALLOT 

You can return your mail-in ballot at a drop box at any polling place on Election Day or use the 24-hour secure drop-off box at the Fairfax County Government Center before 7 p.m. If mailing your ballot, it must be postmarked by Nov. 5 and received by the Office of Elections by noon on Friday Nov. 8. State law requires you to include the last four digits of your Social Security number and your birth year on the return envelope for your mail-in ballot. This information will be hidden under a mailing flap and is not publicly visible. Don't forget to sign the envelope. You can track your mailed ballot online.

 

PROTECTING YOUR VOTE

Voters can be confident their vote is protected. Comprehensive measures ensure every vote is accurately recorded, safely stored and properly counted. From safeguarding ballots and voting machines to conducting post-election canvassing, the county’s Office of Elections prioritizes security at every step. 

Learn how your vote is protected, including: 
🗳️ Secure Ballots and Drop Boxes 
🗳️ Voting Machine Testing and Security 
🗳️ Preventing Double Voting 
🗳️ Counting and Verifying Every Ballot 
🗳️ Post-Election Canvass and Audits

 

MORE INFORMATION 

For questions, contact the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776, TTY 711, during business hours (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., weekdays).

 

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