Vote by Mail

About Voting By Mail

  • Mail ballots for 2026 elections can be requested now. Applications are accepted until 5pm 11 days before an election.
  • Ballots are mailed starting 45 days before an election. 
  • All voters are eligible to vote by mail. 
  • Ballots can be requested for a specific election, or voters can apply to permanently receive mail ballots for all elections in which they are eligible. 
  • If requesting a ballot for a primary election, you must indicate a political party preference. Virginia is an open primary state meaning any voter can vote in either primary. Since voters cannot register by party, they must indicate the primary they would like to vote in for a ballot to be sent. 

Deadlines for April 21, 2026 Special Election:

  • Last day to apply for a mail ballot5pm, April 10, 2026 
  • Mail Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before April 21 and received by 12pm, April 24.

How to Vote by Mail

If you would like to vote by mail you must complete a Virginia Absentee Ballot Application Form. You can request to receive an absentee mail ballot for one election, or you can request to automatically receive a mail ballot for all future elections by selecting the Permanent Absentee option. 

Ways to Apply to Vote by Mail

1) Online

Apply to Vote Absentee by Mail online using Virginia's Department of Elections Citizen Portal

Note, you must have a Virginia DMV issued ID to apply to vote absentee by mail online.

 

2) Mail

Download the Virginia Absentee Ballot Application Form from Virginia's Department of Elections and complete the application. 

Mail or drop off the completed application to: 

Absentee Voting
2100 Clarendon Blvd, Ste 320
Arlington, VA 22201

If you are unable to download the Virginia Absentee Ballot Application Form, please call our office at 703-228-3456 and request the form be mailed to you. 

 

3) Email

Download the Virginia Absentee Ballot Application Form from Virginia's Department of Elections and complete the application.

Email completed application to: absentee@arlingtonva.us

If you are unable to download the Virginia Absentee Ballot Application Form, please call our office at 703-228-3456 and request the form be mailed to you.

 

4) In Person

Pick up an application at the Office of Voter Registration and Elections during business hours at 2100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 320, Arlington, VA 22201. 

 


3 Ways to Return your Mail Ballot

Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by 12pm (noon) three business after the Election. 

Return Mail Ballot by Mail

Postage is paid for return ballots and can be dropped off at any USPS Post Office or USPS Mail Box. 

 

Return Mail Ballot in Person

Mail Ballots can be dropped off during business hours at the Office of Voter Registration and Elections located at the address below:

Bozman Government Center
2100 Clarendon Blvd, 3rd Floor
Arlington, VA 22201

 

Return Mail Ballot in Drop Box

Completed Mail Ballots can be dropped off in person at the following locations:

Ballots must be received by 7pm, Election Day.

 

 

 


2 Ways to Track your Ballot 

Two tools are available to track your ballot on its way to you and confirm it has been returned to our office. 

Track your ballot on its way to you

  • Confirm ballot mailed
  • See expected delivery date
  • Confirm delivery
  • Sign up for text or email alerts when ballot is mailed to you.

Enter your name and the address where the ballot is being mailed.

Track Your Ballot Online

Confirm your voted ballot has been received

  • Enter the required information and click “Submit”
  • Scroll down to the Absentee section.
  • Check the Ballot Received column for the current election.

Confirm Ballot Received