Historically, people with disabilities have voted at a much lower rate than the general population. dLCV can help ensure an inclusive and equal voting experience for everyone. This section provides information about voter rights.
What Prevents You From Voting in Virginia?
- Being registered to vote in another state
- Being declared mentally incompetent by a judge
- Having a felony conviction (You can apply to have your right to vote restored, see Restoration of Voting Rights Fact Sheet)
How do you Vote?
Step 1 – Register to Vote
You Can Register to Vote at:
- Your Local Voter Registration Office
- The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Public Libraries
- Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
- Centers for Independent Living (CIL)
- Voter Registration Drives
- State or Local Government Office when applying for TANF, SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, or Rehabilitation Services
- Register to Vote Online
The Registration Deadline:
You must register to vote in the June 8, 2021, Democratic and Republican primaries, by Monday, May 17, 2021. If you need to make changes to your current voter registration, those must also be made by May 17, 2021.
You Can Check Your Voter Registration with the Virginia Department of Elections.
Make sure you are registered at your current address.
Step 2 – Decide How You Will Vote
Because of Coronavirus, there are 4 possible ways to vote in the June 8, 2021 primaries.
Remember that, as an individual with a disability, you are entitled to assistance if you need it, no matter which of the 4 forms of voting you choose.
All VA Voting Options require a form of ID:
Virginia no longer requires a photo ID to vote. But one of the following forms of ID is
required:
- Voter registration confirmation documents
- A Virginia Driver’s License (even if expired)
- A U.S. Passport
- Any other ID issued by the state of Virginia or by the United States Government
- Any photo employee ID
- Any student ID from a VA private school or a US institution of higher education
- A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or other government document so long as it lists your name and address
If you don’t have any of these forms of ID, you can still vote if you sign a legal statement certifying your identity. With no ID and no certified statement of identity, you will be given a provisional ballot, which allows you more time to provide an ID.
1. Voting in Person
To vote in person, find your polling place. One way to find your polling place is by using the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal.
2. Curbside Voting
If you are 65 or older or have a physical disability, you can also go to your polling location on Election Day for curbside voting. Curbside voting is voting from your car. The Virginia Department of Elections recommends that you bring someone with you if you want to vote curbside so that your helper can go into the polling place to request curbside assistance.
3. Absentee Voting
Voting absentee allows you to vote by mail or in person before Election Day. Learn more about absentee voting with our Absentee Voting Guide.
- If you are hospitalized or experience the death of a family member that prevents you from applying for an absentee ballot or prevents you from voting in person, you can apply for an Emergency Absentee Ballot.
4. Absentee Satellite Sites
Local Registrar Offices always serve as in-person absentee voting locations. Due to Coronavirus, some localities are also offering additional locations you can vote absentee in-person called Absentee Satellite Sites. Contact your Local Registrar to see if there are any Absentee Satellite Sites near you.
Step 3 – Vote!
Your voice matters! The disability vote is a swing vote. Make your voice heard this Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd, from 6:00AM-7:00PM.
Resources
Fact Sheets
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Exercising Your Right to Vote in 2020
In this episode, advocate Joliefawn Liddell, and two of our legal interns, Mary Grace Whitten & Camille Karabaich, share with us all about the updated voting laws in Virginia. A lot of things have changed as of July 1, 2020, and due to COVID-19, so tune in to stay up to date with all the new procedures and deadlines. You can find out more information about voting in Virginia on our Voting page.
How can dLCV help?
dLCV can provide information, technical assistance and, in some cases, legal representation. You can reach our Office by calling (800) 552-3962.
Our services are free of charge. Advocates are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Call 1-800-552-3962 (toll-free) or 804-225-2042 to request assistance OR complete the Online Request for dLCV Services. If you don’t speak English, we have access to a “language line” that helps us communicate with you in your own language.