Virginia’s 2024 Election: What’s on the Ballot
Virginia voters will have several important races and issues to consider on November 5, 2024. The ballot includes:
- Presidential Election: Voting for the U.S. President and Vice President.
- U.S. Senate: Senator Tim Kaine (D) is seeking re-election, facing challenger Hung Cao (R).
- U.S. House of Representatives: All 11 Virginia congressional districts are up for re-election. Each district has its candidates, ranging from incumbents to newcomers across the political spectrumVirginia ElectionsVirginia Elections.
- Statewide Ballot Measure: An amendment to extend property tax exemptions to surviving spouses of soldiers who died in the line of duty. This measure aims to honor military service by expanding current tax relief to include all line-of-duty deaths, not only combat fatalitiesBallotReady.
Additionally, some localities have special propositions, like bond issues for schools, parks, public safety, and other community infrastructure projects
Virginia Voting Rules and Requirements
Eligibility and Registration
To vote in Virginia, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen and Virginia resident,
- At least 18 years old by Election Day,
- Registered to vote by the deadline (October 15 for regular ballots; provisional voting allowed if registered after this date but before Election Day)Virginia Elections.
Identification Requirements
Voters need to present acceptable photo identification. This includes Virginia DMV-issued IDs, U.S. passports, employer or student IDs from Virginia institutions, and government-issued documents showing name and address. If unable to present an ID, voters can sign an ID confirmation statement
How to Vote in Virginia
- In-Person Voting:
- Early Voting: Available from September 20 through November 2 at local voter registration offices and designated satellite locations.
- Election Day Voting: Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 5. Voters in line by 7 p.m. are allowed to voteVirginia ElectionsVirginia Elections.
- Absentee Voting:
- Absentee ballots can be requested by mail by October 25. Absentee voting is available for anyone, regardless of reason. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by noon on November 8 to be countedBallotReady.
- Mail-In Voting:
- Since 2023, mail-in voters no longer require a witness signature but must include the last four digits of their Social Security number and birth year. Completed ballots can be mailed back, dropped off at designated drop locations, or returned to a polling place on Election DayVirginia Elections.
Virginia Voter Registration Process
- Deadline: The last day for regular voter registration is October 15. Voters registering after this date may vote using a provisional ballot.
- Registration Methods:
- Online: Through the Virginia Department of Elections’ Citizen Portal.
- In-Person: At DMV offices, local registration offices, or designated locations.
- Mail-in Forms: Available for download and submission by mailVirginia ElectionsVirginia Elections.
Frequently Asked Questions for Virginia Voters
- What if I move or need to update my information? Updates can be made through the Citizen Portal before the registration deadline.
- Can I get help at the polls? Virginia offers accessible voting options, including curbside voting for elderly and disabled voters and assistance for those with physical impairments.
- What if I don’t have ID? Voters without ID can sign an ID confirmation statement at the pollsVirginia Elections13newsnow.com.
Virginia Government Structure: Local to State
Local Government
- Cities, Counties, and Towns: Virginia’s localities are governed by Boards of Supervisors or City Councils that oversee budgeting, zoning, and community services. Local offices include elected sheriffs, school boards, and city/county attorneys who directly impact education, safety, and municipal operations.
State Government
- Executive Branch: The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General are Virginia’s top executive officers, implementing laws, overseeing state agencies, and managing statewide budgets.
- Legislative Branch: The Virginia General Assembly, a bicameral legislature with a House of Delegates and Senate, drafts and passes state laws. State legislative races occur in odd-numbered years.
- Judicial Branch: Virginia’s judicial system includes the Virginia Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Courts, and District Courts, each serving a distinct role in interpreting and enforcing state lawBallotReady.
Why Voting in State and Local Elections Matters
While federal elections attract the most attention, local and state elections directly impact Virginians’ daily lives. Decisions on education, healthcare, local infrastructure, and public safety are often made by officials elected at the state and local levels. Informed voting in these elections helps shape the quality of public services and community standards throughout Virginia.
This comprehensive guide ensures Virginia residents are well-prepared to engage in the 2024 elections and understand the government systems that affect their daily lives. Encourage readers to register early, review their ballot ahead of time, and vote with confidence.