An individual is eligible to vote absentee in an election if he or she cannot make it to the polls on Election Day for one of the following reasons:

• The individual is a student attending college or university outside of locality of residence in Virginia.
• The individual is a spouse of student attending college or university outside locality of residence in Virginia.
• The individual has business outside County/City of residence on election day.
• The individual has personal business or vacation outside County/City of residence on election day.
• The individual is working and commuting to/from home for 11 or more hours between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM on election day.
• The individual is a first responder (law enforcement, fire fighter, emergency technician, etc.).
• The individual has a disability or illness.
• The individual is primarily and personally responsible for the care of a disabled/ill family member confined at home.
• The individual is pregnant.
• The individual is confined, awaiting trial.
• The individual is confined, convicted of misdemeanor.
• The individual is an electoral board member, registrar, officer of election, or custodian of voting equipment.
• The individual has a religious obligation.
• The individual is an Active Duty Merchant Marine or Armed Forces.
• The individual is a spouse or dependent living with an Active Duty Merchant Marine or Armed Forces member.
• The individual is temporarily residing outside U.S.
• The individual is temporarily residing outside of U.S. for employment or spouse or dependent residing with employee.
• The individual is requesting a ballot for presidential and vice-presidential electors only.
• The individual is an authorized representative of candidate or party serving inside the polling place.

• In-Person: 22 days before Election Day.
• By Mail: Postmarked 22 days before Election Day.
• Online: 22 days before Election Day.

To register in Virginia you must:

• be a citizen of the United States
• be a resident of Virginia and of the precinct in which you want to vote
• be 18 years old by the next May or November general election
• not have been convicted of a felony, or have had your civil rights restored
• not currently be declared mentally incompetent by a court of law