Dear John,

Elections in any year are high stakes, but this year’s election will be especially important because it will help to shape the future of LGBTQ equality in our nation. We are less than 9 weeks away from the general election that will take place on November 3rd, and your participation in this election will be crucial for the LGBTQ community.

Over the past few years, the federal government has rescinded crucial protections for LGBTQ people by rolling back protections for transgender students, banning transgender troops from serving openly in the military, and pushing policies that would allow for discrimination against LGBTQ people in healthcare and housing. Our elected officials are in a position to improve – or harm – the lives of LGBTQ people. That’s why, when it comes to advancing equality, elections matter.

Whether this will be your first time voting or you’re a long-time voter, casting your ballot will look slightly different this year, but we've got you covered. Our 2020 Election Center has all of the resources you need to be a prepared and informed voter on or before November 3rd. This year, we encourage you to create a voting plan because you will have three voting options to choose from: vote by mail, vote early in-person, or vote on Election Day.

We're here to help, so let's start by creating your plan to vote!

Register to Vote

Registering to vote is the first step in creating your voting plan! In order to make your voice heard in the general election, you have to first complete a voter registration form by the October 13th deadline. This year, due to COVID-19, it will be especially important that you complete your voter registration form well-ahead of the deadline.

Registering to vote only takes a few minutes, and will verify your eligibility to cast your ballot. Luckily, there are several ways to register to vote. You can choose to register online, in-person, or by mail.

KEY ELECTION DATES:

September 18th - Oct. 31st: Early in-person voting period
October 13th: Last day to register to vote
October 23rd: Deadline to request an absentee ballot
October 31st: Deadline to vote absentee in-person
November 3rd: Election Day!

Vote
by Mail

A safe and secure way to cast your ballot this year is to vote absentee.

In Virginia, any registered voter can request to vote absentee for any reason. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 23rd.

You can apply for an absentee ballot online. You may also opt to download the absentee application and return it to your local registrar's office by the October 23rd deadline.

Once you receive your ballot, be sure to fill it out and don't forget to sign it. As long as your ballot is postmarked on or before November 3rd, your vote will be counted.

Vote Early
In-Person

Virginians can choose to vote early in-person by going to their local registrar's office or a satellite voting location from September 18th through October 31st.

As a registered voter, you can opt to vote in-person before Election Day and no reason is necessary. The deadline to vote early in-person is October 31st.

When voting early, be sure to bring your ID or other acceptable document. Virginia no longer requires a photo ID to vote. This means that having an ID that doesn't match your gender identity or expression will not impact your ability to vote.

Vote on
Election Day

On November 3rd, polls will be open all across the country for Election Day!

In Virginia, there will be hundreds of polling places available to you and some will even be contactless. On Election Day, polls will be open from 6AM - 7PM and, as long as you are in line by 7PM, you will be able to cast your ballot.

If you're choosing to vote on Election Day, it is important that you locate your polling place well-ahead of November 3rd. Knowing what to expect from your polling place will help to ensure a smooth voting experience on Election Day.

Voting is a critical part of our democracy, and every single vote matters. Be sure to take the first step by registering to vote and then make a plan that will be right for you. Don't forget to remind your loved ones to make their plan to vote, too.

- From all of us at Equality Virginia