Election 2016: How to Absentee Vote in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- If you're worried you won't be able to make it to your polling place on Election Day, coming up Nov. 8, two weeks from Tuesday, you might be eligible to vote absentee, meaning, vote before Election Day.

If you live in Alexandria, here are some "need to know" tips for voting absentee, including reasons why someone can vote absentee.

Absentee ballot deadlines

• The deadline to submit an application to have an absentee ballot mailed to you is Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Applications must be received at the Voter Registration Office by this time.
• Ballots are mailed within two business days via first class mail within the United States and by email or a special pre-paid U.S. postage permit to overseas citizens.
• Voted absentee ballots must be received at the Voter Registration Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day (Nov. 8) to be counted. The office in Alexandria is located at 132 N. Royal St. Suite 100.
• The voted ballot may be returned by mail or delivered in-person (an absentee ballot dropped off must be delivered personally by the voter).
• Virginia's photo ID requirements do not apply to absentee voters who request an absentee ballot by mail.

Where do I get an application? And what do I do with it?

You may apply online through the Virginia Department of Elections or use the links below to download an application. You may also call the Alexandria office (703-746-4050), and we will send you an application.

• Download Virginia Absentee Ballot Application (fillable pdf)
• Download Annual Ballot Application for Disabled or Ill Voter
• Download a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA for military and overseas voters) (fillable pdf)

Return the completed application to the Alexandria office by mail (132 North Royal St., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA. 22314), fax (703) 838-6449 or scanned email attachment (VoteAbsentee@alexandriava.gov). See the application instructions for more information.

In-person absentee voting is available at the Alexandria office beginning 45 days before the election and ending the Saturday before Election Day. Photo ID requirements apply to absentee voters who cast their absentee ballot in person. Voters who do not have acceptable ID may apply for an ID (and receive a temporary ID) at the same time they come to cast their in-person absentee ballot.

In-person absentee voting

In-person absentee In-person absentee voting at the Voter Registration Office ends on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. Regular hours for in-person absentee voting are Monday - Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Extended hours for in-person absentee voting are listed below:

• Thursday, Oct. 27, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 28: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 4, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You may complete your absentee application when you come to vote.

Absentee voting begins Thursday at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St.

In-person absentee voting at Beatley Library begins on Thursday, Oct. 27 and ends on Saturday, Nov. 5. The hours will be as follows:

• Thursday, Oct. 27, noon to 8 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 28, noon to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 31, noon to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 1, noon to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 2, noon to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 3, noon to 8 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 4, noon to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Reasons to Vote Absentee

• Student (or spouse of a student) attending college or university outside of Alexandria
• Work-related business outside of Alexandria on election day
• Personal business or vacation outside of Alexandria on election day
• Working and commuting 11 of the 13 hours the polls are open
• First responder (e.g., law enforcement, fire fighter, etc.)
• Disability or illness
• Caretaker of a disabled/ill family member who is confined at home
• Pregnancy
• Confined, awaiting trial
• Confined, convicted of a misdemeanor
• Precinct Election Officer
• Religious obligation or conflict
• Residing outside of the United States
• Authorized representative of political party or candidate (and serving inside the polling place)
• Moved from Virginia to another state after Oct. 8, 2016 (may receive a ballot for President/Vice President only)

If you have more questions about voting, call the Alexandria elections office at (703) 746-4050 for more information about emergency absentee ballots. If you have a question for the State Board of Elections, call (800) 552-9745.