Mark your calendars for Nov. 4 Captains! Election Day is less than 40 days away and the best way you can make your voice heard is through your vote. The candidates elected this year will have a direct impact on issues such as the economy, healthcare, public safety, public education and the environment. Elections like these often come down to just a couple hundred votes, so every vote(yes, even yours) counts! Voting can seem like a confusing or inconvenient process, but there are ways to navigate it that may make it more accessible for you.
You can register to vote or update your registration through Friday, Oct. 24. You can do this and find your polling place by going to https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation. If you are registered to vote at home and can’t make the trip, you can apply for an absentee ballot by 5:00 p.m on Oct. 24. You can also vote early in-person beginning Friday, Sept. 19 through 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 1. Unlike an absentee ballot, you do not have to have a reason or fill out an application to vote early. Voting early is a great option for those who may have mobility issues, want to avoid election day crowds and chaos, or simply just don’t have the time on Election Day.
Polling places usually close at 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, but remember that if you are in line before 7:00 p.m., you still have the right to vote! All you need to bring on election day is a valid government-issued ID. Most people use their driver’s license or passport, but there are a variety of documents that can be accepted for in-person voting, which are listed on the Virginia Department of Elections website. A provisional ballot may be offered to you if you forget your ID. A provisional ballot is used to record a vote when there are questions about a given voter’s eligibility that must be resolved before the vote can count.Voters can vote using a provisional ballot in-person after Oct. 24, 2025 through Election Day.
This election is an important one for many reasons. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor seats are up for reelection, as well as the Attorney General, House of Delegates and local office seats. These positions are all associated with political parties, so if you feel strongly about any particular issues, make sure you do your research on these candidates to see who best aligns with your values. You can go to https://www.vote411.org/ballot to learn where candidates running for office in your community stand on the issues.
If you are looking for more ways to get involved in or get more information on the upcoming elections, there are several organizations here on campus that you can check out. CNU has several chapters of political organizations, including Planned Parenthood Generation Action, Turning Point USA, Young Democratic Socialists of America and Students for Life. The Wason Center is also a great resource for information about civic engagement and involvement. There are also so many candidates in Virginia that would love more volunteers! You can visit your candidates websites and temporarily subscribe to their newsletters to get more information about volunteer opportunities.
