Election Day Information

Same day registration refers to the ability to register to vote in-person and immediately vote a provisional ballot after the deadline to register and vote a non-provisional ballot has passed.

Frequently asked questions about this process:
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.

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 days 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?
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.

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?
Same day registration and voting with a provisional ballot can be utilized after the
October 24 deadline to register to vote a non-provisional ballot.
 
Where do I same day register?
You may same day register at the office of your general registrar or satellite
location during the early voting period. On Election Day, you must go to the
polling place for the precinct in which you reside.