Voting FAQs – Everything you need to know about absentee voting and much more

Demonstrators protesting recent changes at the U.S. Postal Service that could jeopardize the agency’s ability to handle mail-in ballots put mock absentee ballots on the door of the condo where Postmaster General Louis DeJoy lives. The ballots state “Save the post office, save our democracy.” [WTOP/John Domen]

Amid growing concerns about COVID-19, White House attacks on the U.S. Postal Service, and the potential for voter suppression, people are encouraged to vote early.

The following guide addresses commonly asked questions about voting in this year’s presidential election.  

Absentee voting by mail

 How do I request an absentee ballot? 

Apply online on the Virginia Department of Elections website. 

You can also print out this application and mail it to the Registrar, Fairfax County Office of Elections, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 323, Fairfax VA 22035. 

What is the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot? 

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot by mail, fax, and online is 5 p.m. on Oct. 23. Be sure to fill out the form completely or your request could be rejected.

When can I expect to receive a ballot? 

Ballots will be mailed after Sept. 18, the official date for the start of absentee voting by mail. 

Considering the concerns around the U.S. Postal Service’s ability to handle mail ballots, voters are encouraged to apply now and return their completed ballot as soon as possible.

Watch a video on how to fill out an absentee ballot here. 

How can I track my ballot? 

Check whether your application for an absentee ballot was received and a ballot was sent at the citizen portal on the Virginia Department of Elections website. 

Do I need a reason to vote absentee? 

No. A new Virginia law allows early voting 45 days before an election without stating a reason why a voter can’t come to the polls on Election Day. 

What is the deadline for returning an absentee ballot? 

Another new law allows votes to count if voters to return an absentee ballot to the general registrar after the polls close on Election Day (Nov. 3) but before noon on the third day after the election (Friday, Nov. 6) and postmarked on or before the date of the election. 

If I get a mail-in ballot. can I still vote in person instead and not use it? 

Yes. You need to take your ballot and the envelope with you to the registrar in the Fairfax County Office of Elections in order to be able to vote in person. 

In-person absentee voting 

When can I vote absentee in person? 

Early voting begins Sept. 18 at the registrar’s office in the Fairfax County Office of Elections, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. 

Before visiting your local registrar’s office, check your registration status here.  

In-person absentee voting at satellite locations will begin Oct. 14. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved 14 satellite locations for in-person absentee voting this year. Two of these locations are in Mason District: 

• Mason Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale
• Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church

These locations are tentatively proposed to be open weekdays, 1-7 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Do I need a reason to vote early in person? No.

What documents do I need to bring to vote early? 

An acceptable form of ID, such as a Virginia driver’s license, passport, student ID, or a current utility bill. 

If you do not have an acceptable form of identification, you will need to sign an ID confirmation statement, or a provisional ballot will be offered. You will be given until the Friday at noon following the election to provide an acceptable ID to the electoral board or sign an ID confirmation statement. 

Do I need a photo ID? No

How are absentee ballots counted? 

Absentee ballots are counted on election night and are reported in the “central absentee precinct.” 

Voter registration 

Where can I register to vote or change my address?  

Register online on the Virginia Department of Elections’ citizen portal. 

You can also register in person, Monday-Friday, at the Fairfax County Office of Elections.  

A voter registration form can be downloaded here. 

In addition, voter registration applications can be picked up at state or government offices, libraries, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, and voter registration drives. 

Mail the completed and signed application to the Fairfax County Office of Elections, P.O. Box 10161, Fairfax VA 22038-8061.

A new law in Virginia implements automatic voter registration for people accessing in-person or online services at the DMV.

Who can register?

To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Virginia, and must be at least 18 years old by Election Day, Nov. 3. 

First-time voters in Virginia who register by mail must vote in person (either on Election Day or absentee in-person) unless they are students, overseas citizens, have a disability or illness, or are active-duty members of the military or their dependents. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote? Oct. 13.

How do I check my registration status or change my address? 

Look up your registration status here, on the Virginia Department of Elections website. 

Can I register to vote if I’m a convicted felon? 

Anyone convicted of a felony in Virginia automatically loses their right to vote but can apply to the secretary of the commonwealth to have their rights restored once they are no longer incarcerated. Learn more here. 

In-person voting 

Where and when can I vote on Election Day? 

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. A new Virginia law extends the voting hours to 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Polls previously closed at 7 p.m. 

Look up your polling place here.

Do I need a photo ID to vote in person? 

No. But you do need an acceptable form of ID, such as a Virginia driver’s license, passport, student ID, or a current utility bill.

If I requested an absentee ballot but want to vote in person, what do I do? 

You need to take your ballot and the envelope with you to the Fairfax County registrar’s office. 

What if I have a disability and need help voting? 

Accessible equipment and/or curbside voting is available upon request. People with disabilities can get information about accessibility here.

On the ballot

In addition to the president/vice president, the November 2020 ballot for Fairfax County voters also have an opportunity to vote for members of Congress and other issues. 

One member of the U.S. Senate – Sen. Mark Warner (D) –  is up for re-election in 2020.

Depending where you live, Fairfax  County residents will have a chance to vote for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 8th, 10th, or 11th congressional district. 

The incumbents are Rep. Don Beyer (D-8th), Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-10th), and Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11th). Information on Republican congressional candidates can be found here. 

There are two state constitutional amendments on the 2020 ballot, one on redistricting and one on a motor vehicle property tax exemption for disabled veterans. 

The following bond questions will be on the ballot: 

• $90 million for renovating four public libraries, including George Mason Regional Library in Annandale. 
• $112 million for parks, including $100 million for the Fairfax County Park Authority and $12 million for the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Among many other projects, the park bond would fund improvements at the Audrey Moore RECenter in Annandale. 
• $160,000,000 for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. 
• $79 million for community health and human services facilities.