How do I register to vote in Virginia?

Virginia expanded access with same-day registration in 2022 but remains one of the few states where felony conviction permanently disqualifies absent gubernatorial restoration.

1. Eligibility (Va. Const. art. II, § 1; Va. Code § 24.2-400)

U.S. citizen.

18 years old by the next general election (may register at 17).

VA resident of the precinct.

Felony conviction: voting rights are forfeited until individually restored by the Governor under Va. Const. art. V, § 12. Practice has varied substantially across administrations.

Not adjudicated mentally incapacitated.

2. How to Register

Online: vote.virginia.gov (requires VA DMV credential).

Paper: mail to local general registrar.

In person: DMV, registrar's office, public libraries, NVRA agencies.

Same-Day Registration at any early voting location or polling place — voter casts a provisional ballot that is counted once registration is verified (Va. Code § 24.2-420.1).

3. Deadlines

Standard: 21 days before Election Day (Va. Code § 24.2-414).

Same-Day: through Election Day (provisional ballot).

4. ID Requirements

Provide last 4 of SSN at registration.

At the polls: photo ID required, but voters without it may sign an ID Confirmation Statement and vote a regular ballot (Va. Code § 24.2-643).

5. College Students

May register at college address; Symm v. United States protects student residency.

This is legal information, not legal advice.