Do you have a plan on where and how you will vote in upcoming November 2 General Election?
The St. Francis of Assisi parish VOICE ministry has already sponsored a successful Voter Registration campaign on the weekend of September 25/26 – and now it is time to “Get Out the Vote”. You might be a registered Democrat, Republican, or as a non-affiliated voter. But if you are a Catholic it is important to vote.
Why as Catholics is it important to vote?
Parishes need to promote a revived sense of political responsibility calling Catholics to be informed and active citizens, participating in the debate over the values and vision that guide our communities and nation. Parishes as local institutions have special opportunities to develop leaders, to promote citizenship, and to provide forums for discussion and action on public issues…Parishes can help lift up the moral and human dimension of public issues, calling people to informed participation in the political process. (From the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1993)
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia Voting
When do I have to register or update my registration in order to vote?
- The deadline is Tuesday, October 12, 2021
What is on the ballot in November in Virginia?
Virginian’s will elect a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, members for the House of Delegates.
Who can vote early?
- Anyone can vote early. You do not have to have a reason or fill out an application.
- You can vote early at your local registrar’s office or a satellite location beginning September 17, 2021. The Saturday before Election Day, October 30 is the last day to vote early in this election.
Who can vote absentee?
- Anyone can vote by mail by completing an application and returning it online, by mail, fax or email. Deadline is Friday October 22, 2021
- An application can be downloaded at https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/absentee-voting/
- After the registrar processes your application, you will receive your ballot in the mail.
- You can return your ballot by mail or to a drop off location.
If I vote in person, what do I need?
- Virginia law requires all voters to provide either an acceptable form of ID or sign an ID Confirmation Statement at the polls.
What is acceptable ID?
- Virginia driver’s license may be current or expired
- Valid DMV-issued ID card
- Valid employee ID card, containing a photograph, issued by voter’s employer in ordinary course of business (public or private employer)
- U.S. Military ID
- Valid student ID issued by a public or private school of higher education located in Virginia
- Valid student ID, containing a photograph, issued by a public or private school of higher education located in the U.S.
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card D
- See the Board of Elections website for a complete list. https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/in-person-voting/
Does Virginia offer curbside voting?
- If you are 65 or older, or have a physical disability, you may vote on Election Day without leaving your vehicle. Make sure to use the designated parking space at the polling location and follow the instructions on any signage.