Can I vote before Election Day?
You can vote early by absentee ballot or in person. Virgina voters do NOT need an excuse to vote early or by mail.
Credit: Obi Onyeador@thenewmalcolm from Unsplash
Applying for a Absentee Ballot
Click here to apply online to receive an absentee ballot.
A paper application for a absentee ballot may be obtained from your Office of Elections, governmental centers, and libraries, or may be downloaded from the ELECT citizen portal, here.
The deadline for applying to vote by absentee ballot is 5:00 pm 11 days (Thursday) before the election. Consider submitting your application well before the deadline to ensure that you receive your ballot in a timely manner. Ballots are mailed to voters beginning 45 days before the election.
In Fairfax County, return your application by:
Mailing the completed application to
The Fairfax County Office of Elections
P.O. Box 10161, Fairfax, VA 22038Scanning, then emailing the application to absenteeballot@fairfaxcounty.gov
Faxing the application to the Office of Elections at 703-324-3725
In Fairfax City, return your application in person or by mail to:
Fairfax City General Registrar
10455 Armstrong St., Suite 300
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Returning your Absentee Ballot
Complete the Return Envelope Correctly
Click here to watch a helpful video.
Complete the information on the return envelope. No witness signature is required, but you need to include your birth year and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This is new!
Return your ballot in the envelope sent to you and include ONLY your ballot.
Use an Official Ballot Drop Box
Fairfax County residents - Use the Drop Box in front of the Government Center, Early Voting locations during open hours, or at polls on Election Day.
Fairfax City residents - Use the Drop Box near the City Hall, Atrium entrance or at polls on Election Day.
Use the Mail
Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day (Tuesday) and received no later than noon three days after the election (Friday) by the Office of Elections.
For information about Absentee voting in Fairfax County, visit Absentee Voting by Mail. Also view the FAQs about Absentee Voting.
For information about Absentee voting in Fairfax City, visit Absentee Voting.
Information for Active-duty Military and Overseas Citizens
Citizens who are living outside the United States may be eligible to receive an absentee ballot by completing the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). See the Federal Voting Assistance Program website or call the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776.
This includes citizens who are members of the military on active duty or an eligible spouse or dependent, temporarily residing outside the U.S., overseas by virtue of employment and accompanying spouse or dependents, and other U.S. citizens residing outside the U.S.
Credit: Photo by Beth Henson Tudan
Early Voting in Person
Fairfax County residents can vote early in person at multiple sites. For information, click here.
Fairfax City residents vote early in person at the General Registrar's Office.
Fairfax City General Registrar
10455 Armstrong St., Suite 300
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: 703.385.7890
Fax: 703.591.8364
For hours and further information, click here.