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1. Is same-day registration new in Virginia?

Yes. Beginning with the 2022 General Election, the General Assembly approved legislation that provides the ability to register at any time, up to and including Election Day.

2. How is this different from how registration has previously worked?

Previously, registration was closed for 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.

3. 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.

4. What happens to my provisional ballot after I vote?

The General Registrar’s office for your locality will research your ballot to gather evidence about whether you are qualified and eligible to vote. The General Registrar’s office will forward your ballot and the information gathered to the Electoral Board to review and approve or deny your ballot.

5. 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.

6. 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 the election at your polling place can provide further information about eligibility.

7. When can I same-day register?

Same-day registration and voting with a provisional ballot can be utilized after the 21-day deadline to register to vote on a non-provisional ballot.

8. Where do I same-day register?

You may same-day register at the office of your General Registrar during the early voting period. On Election Day, you must go to the the polling place for the precinct in which you reside if you wish to utilize the Same Day Registration.

9. How do I find my polling place?

You can find this information by contacting the office of the General Registrar at 540-948-6533 or Email General Registrar.