State voting rules for Virginia
Virginia voters abroad need to request a ballot each calendar year they want to vote in.
Click here to start your ballot request now.
Check below for your delivery methods and deadlines, and to find your local election office contact information.
How to Send
Registration: Email or Fax or Mail
Ballot Request: Email or Fax or Mail
Ballot Return: Mail
(Virginia no longer requires a witness signature on ballots)
Type of Ballot Based on Voter Category
If you choose “My Return is Uncertain,” you'll receive a ballot to vote in federal elections (US President, US Senate, and US House of Representatives).
And, you'll receive a ballot for Virginia state and local elections (Governor, State Legislature, School Board, etc) if you can provide the name of an employer for you or your spouse, or (if you are a dependent) your parent's employer.
There's a space to provide this information on your form.
"Intend to Return" means you have an intention to return in the future -- but you don't need a set date or specific plans.
If you choose “Intend to Return,” you will receive a ballot to vote in federal, state, and local elections. But this may be one of several factors used to determine whether you may be subject to Virginia state income tax.
If you choose “I've Never Lived in the US,” you will receive a ballot to vote in federal elections only (US President, US Senate, and US House of Representatives).
But you won't be eligible to vote in state and local elections (Governor, State Legislature, School Board, etc).
Election Deadlines for Virginia Voters Abroad
Election Deadlines for Virginia Voters Abroad
| Election Day | Registration | Ballot Request | Ballot Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia-Special General Sep 9 | Mail or Email or Fax: Received by Sep 2, 2025 Voters can register until Sept 2, but if they register after Aug 29, they may only vote in person | Mail or Email or Fax: Received by Aug 29, 2025, 5:00 PM | Postal mail: Postmarked by Sep 9, 2025, 7:00 PM and received by Sep 12, 2025, at 12:00pm Virginia time |
| Virginia-State General Nov 4 | Civilian Mail or Email or Fax: Received by Oct 14, 2025 Deadline for civilian overseas voters Member of Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine on active duty Mail or Email or Fax: Received by Oct 24, 2025, 5:00 PM Deadline for members of the Uniformed Services on active duty Spouse or dependent of a member of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine on active duty Mail or Email or Fax: Received by Oct 24, 2025, 5:00 PM Deadline for family members of Uniformed Services on active duty | Mail or Email or Fax: Received by Oct 24, 2025, 5:00 PM | Postal mail: Postmarked by Nov 4, 2025, 7:00 PM and received by Nov 7, 2025, at 12:00pm Virginia time |
Find Your Election Office
Jurisdiction
Click in the box below and select your local election official from the list (may be county, city, town...)
Additional Resources
You may need to use a VPN if you cannot connect to your state's voter information pages. Some states only allow internet connections from US locations. For more information about how to use a VPN, please click here.