News Summary
Virginia is set for a crucial general election starting early voting on September 19, 2025. Significant changes in election laws will impact registration and voting processes. Key races include governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general, with heightened efforts to encourage early voter turnout. Voters are advised to verify registration status and familiarize themselves with new regulations to ensure they can participate effectively.
Virginia is gearing up for a high-stakes general election set to begin early voting on September 19, 2025. The election will continue through November 1, 2025, and will include races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, all 100 seats of the House of Delegates, and various local offices.
This year, Virginia has implemented notable changes to its election laws, including a shorter registration deadline and new reporting requirements for provisional ballots. The new deadline to register to vote is now October 24, 2025, significantly shorter than the previous 22-day cutoff. Voters have the option to register after this deadline through same-day registration; however, those ballots will be cast provisionally.
To enhance transparency, registrars are required to report the number of provisional ballots at the precinct level. Voters will need to present acceptable forms of identification to cast their ballots. Provisional voting remains available for those who do not possess ID. Additionally, curbside voting is an option for voters over the age of 65 or those with disabilities.
Absentee voting also begins concurrently on September 19, whereby ballots will be mailed to military and overseas voters, as well as individuals who have requested them. Any registered voter can apply for an absentee ballot via online, mail, or in-person methods without needing to provide a reason for the request. The deadline to request a mailed absentee ballot is the same as the registration deadline, October 24, 2025.
As for the return of completed absentee ballots, voters can choose to mail them, deliver them in person, or place them in drop boxes during early voting or on Election Day. All mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by November 4 and received by noon on November 7 to be counted.
Election officials are strongly encouraging voters to verify their registration status and plan to participate in early voting. Among the candidates, Abigail Spanberger (Democrat) is running for governor against Winsome Earle-Sears (Republican); Ghazala Hashmi (Democrat) is contesting against John Reid (Republican) for lieutenant governor; and the incumbent Jason Miyares (Republican) faces challenger Jay Jones (Democrat) for attorney general.
The 2025 election is viewed as crucial for establishing control over the governor’s mansion and the House of Delegates, which will significantly influence policies on taxes, health care, education, and criminal justice. Furthermore, the election is being regarded as a referendum on the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Both major political parties are ramping up efforts to maximize early voter turnout ahead of the election. The Virginia Department of Elections advises voters to check for updated hours and locations for voting, which may differ from those of the previous years. Voters can reach out to the Virginia Department of Elections at 1-800-552-9745 or contact the Voter Assistance Hotline at 844-482-8683 for any inquiries regarding the voting process.
In summary, Virginia’s early voting is set to play a significant role in the upcoming general election, and voters are advised to take action to ensure their participation amid changes in election law.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- Virginia Mercury: Primary Day 2025
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
