Virginia early voting begins with mail rules unchanged

When and where Virginians can vote

Early in-person voting begins Friday for Virginia’s Nov. 3 midterm elections. The voting period runs through Saturday, Oct. 31, giving voters more than six weeks to cast ballots before Election Day.

Virginia’s official 45-day early-voting period starts Saturday. Registrar offices that will be closed that day must begin offering early voting Friday, state officials said.

Voters may cast an early ballot at a designated location in the locality where they are registered. Locations and operating hours vary, so voters should check with their local registrar before traveling to vote.

Virginia is requiring more weekend access in 2026. Local registrars must offer voting on the second and third Sundays before Election Day. Weekend voting will be available Oct. 18, Oct. 24, Oct. 25 and Oct. 31.

Mail-ballot rules remain unchanged

Virginia’s mail-ballot procedures remain in place after the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday kept an injunction against a proposed U.S. Postal Service rule. The Trump administration had sought changes to how the Postal Service handles mail-in ballots nationwide.

Deputy Commissioner of Elections Ashley Coles told the State Board of Elections on Tuesday that Virginia election officials have repeatedly adjusted to changes in election administration while working to conduct accurate and secure elections.

Voters statewide will decide a U.S. Senate race and contests for all 11 of Virginia’s U.S. House seats. Ballots will also include three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. Some voters will have local races, referendums or special elections, depending on where they live.