Presidential Primary 2024: Early Voting To Begin In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — It hasn't been long since Virginia's November election deciding control of the Virginia General Assembly, but the next election is already approaching. Virginia's presidential primary election will be held on March 5, 2024, and early voting in Alexandria begins Friday.

Virginia is an open primary state, which means voters can choose to cast a ballot in either the Democratic or Republican presidential primary.

On the Democratic ballot, President Joe Biden is running for re-election and faces Marianne Williamson and Dean Phillips.

On the Republican ballot, former President Donald Trump is seeking another term. The Virginia ballot also includes Chris Christie, Ryan Binkley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley.

Some candidates may have dropped out of the race before the March 5 primary, so check their campaign status before casting your ballot.

Early in-person voting will happen from Jan. 19 to March 2 at the Office of Voter Registration & Elections, 132 N. Royal St., Suite 100. An acceptable form of ID is required to vote in person.

Hours are:

• Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Feb. 19 for Presidents Day)
• Extended hours on Saturday, Feb. 24, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Extended hours on Sunday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Extended hours on Monday, Feb. 26, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Extended hours on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Extended hours on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Extended hours on Thursday, Feb. 29, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Extended hours on Saturday, March 2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Another option is voting by mail. Mail-in ballots may be requested by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23. The easiest way to apply is online through the Virginia Department of Elections citizen portal. Voters may also mail a completed application to 132 N. Royal St., #100, Alexandria, VA 22314, fax to 703-838-6449, or email VoteAbsentee@alexandriava.gov.

Voters may return their ballots by mail or a drop box outside the Office of Voter Registration & Elections until 7 p.m. on March 5. The ballot drop box is open 24/7 and has video surveillance.

The deadline to register to vote or update an address on an existing voter registration is Feb. 12. Same-day registration is available after the deadline, giving voters the option to cast a provisional ballot. More information about registration is available from the Office of Voter Registration & Elections.

To vote on Election Day, visit your assigned polling place between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. An acceptable form of ID is required to vote in person. See more information on how to prepare for voting at your polling place.

More resources on upcoming elections are available at www.alexandriava.gov/Elections.