Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Election Day has arrived and it can get confusing. We’re here to help answer your questions and make sure you have all the information needed on where to go and what to bring to ensure your vote counts.

Where do I go to vote?

First, let’s talk about the big issue: getting you to the correct polling place. You should have received a voter letter or card from your county in the mail, which lists your polling location. But if that didn’t happen, there are several ways to find the right location. An online Polling Place Lookup tool is available by clicking here on the state website, and if you don’t want to do that, information about precinct locations is listed on all three county registrars’ websites. That includes Buckingham, Prince Edward and Cumberland. 

Why are we starting off with this? Because redistricting took place two years ago and it can still be a bit confusing for some, about where to go. Also, since then some counties have changed several polling places. 

If you’d prefer to call the registrar’s office to get an answer, that’s available too. In Buckingham County, you call (434) 969-4304. In Cumberland County, that number is (804) 492-4504 and in Prince Edward County, you can call (434) 392-4767.

What do I need to bring on Election Day?

To vote in any of our three counties, you’ll need to bring a couple things. First, you’ll need to provide your name and address. Second, you have to show an ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver’s license (current or expired), DMV-issued ID card, employee ID card with a photo, valid student ID, US Military ID or government-issued ID card. You can also use a recent utility bill, bank statement, government check, a tribal ID, valid U.S. passport or paycheck containing your name and address. Here’s the full list of what’s acceptable on Election Day. 

Now if you get to the polling place and find you forgot your ID at home, that’s ok. In those situations, a voter can also sign an ID confirmation form. That will allow them to cast a ballot. Elections officials will then go and verify that the person is who they say.

When do polling places open?

Here’s the big one. Polling locations across all of Virginia are open now. They opened at 6 a.m. and will run through 7 p.m. That includes all areas. The Virginia Department of Elections requires that each polling place remain open for that full timeframe, so you don’t have to worry about your place closing early before you get there.

Also, it’s important to note that as long as you are in line when the clock hits 7 p.m., the law requires poll workers to let you vote. We don’t mean pulling into the parking lot. If you are physically in line to vote at that time, you are legally entitled to a ballot.

The Virginia Code says that “at 6:45 p.m., an officer of election shall announce that the polls will close in 15 minutes. The officer of election shall list the names of all qualified voters in line before the polling place at 7 p.m. and permit those voters and no others to vote after 7 p.m.”

What if I can’t make it in person on Election Day?

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot has passed. But if you received one this fall, have you mailed it in yet? Ballots can be postmarked by Election Day and still count.

That means you have to put that ballot in the mail today in order for it to count. You also need one more signature besides your own, if you’re mailing it in, as a witness signature is required.