During the 2020 General Assembly session on the new law / piece of legislation was passed that outlined for Virginia, beginning on October 1, 2022, voting eligible citizens would be able to register to vote on Election day and cast their ballot on the same day.
So, we are sure you have questions about the process, so here are a few FAQs about same day voter registration that we have answers to:
Is same day registration new in Virginia?
How is this different from how registration has previously worked?
Previously, registration was closed for the 21 days before an election; there was
no ability to register to vote after this deadline. The new law allows registration,
with limitations, during the 21-day period before an election.
What is a provisional ballot?
Provisional ballots are used by voters who do not appear on the list of registered
voters at their polling location. Provisional ballots are not processed by a vote
counting machine at the time of voting, but rather are subject to approval by the local electoral board prior to the ballot being counted.
What happens to my provisional ballot after I vote?
How will I know if my provisional ballot is counted?
After you vote, you will be given a notice with the date, time, and place where the local electoral board will make a decision regarding your provisional ballot. You are entitled to attend this meeting, but you are not required to attend in order for your ballot to be counted. If your registration application is approved and there are no other issues, your ballot will be counted. If your ballot is not counted, you will receive written notice from your general registrar.
Who can same day register?
Any person qualified to register to vote is eligible. However, if you are already
registered in a different locality and seeking to update your registration, you may be eligible to cast a non-provisional ballot, rather than the provisional ballot used for same day registration. Your general registrar or officer of election at your polling place can provide further information about eligibility.
When can I same day register?
Where do I same day register?
How do I find my polling place?
Check out more info on same day voter registration on the Virginia Department of Elections website by clicking here or visit: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/same-day-voter-registration/
As updates and new information emerge about this voting change, Virginia AFL-CIO will keep our affiliates and our members updated on this important and history-making change.