Absentee voting underway for Charlottesville Democratic primary

Absentee voting for Charlottesville’s June 9th Democratic primary is now in its second week. Five candidates are on the ballot seeking the Democratic Party’s nominations for three City Council seats.
In-person absentee voting began Friday, April 24th, and continues through Saturday, June 6th in the Voter Registration Office in the City Hall Annex (120 7th St. NE). Regular office hours are8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The office will also be open on Saturday, June 6(8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) for absentee voting and until 5:00 PM on Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, June 2. 

Virginia law now requires photo identification when voting in person, whether in-person absentee or at the polls on Election Day.

The deadline to register to vote in the June 9th Primary is Monday, May 18 at 5:00 PM. Qualified Virginia residents may apply for or change their voter registration at the Voter Registration Office.  Registration forms are also available at local libraries, at the Division of Motor Vehicles, or online atwww.charlottesville.org/vote.  Charlottesville voters with questions about voter registration or absentee voting should call the city’s voter registration office at 434-970-3250 or email [email protected].

Voters must be 18 or older by the November election.  17-year-old city residents who will turn 18 byNovember 3rd can register now, and vote in the June Primary.

Applications for mailed absentee ballots must be received by the Voter Registration Office by 5:00 PMon Tuesday, June 2 and the voted ballot must be received by the Voter Registration Office by 7:00 PMon Election Day, June 9.  Absentee applications can be transmitted by mail, fax, or as a scanned email attachment. There is a link to the form at www.charlottesville.org/vote.

In Virginia, voters must have a qualifying reason for voting absentee. The reasons include that the voter: will be absent from Charlottesville on Election Day for business, personal business or vacation; working or commuting a total of 11 hours between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Election Day; is a student or spouse of a student at a college or university outside of Charlottesville; is serving in the military or merchant marine (or a spouse or dependent residing with them); is overseas; is disabled, ill or pregnant or primarily and personally responsible for the care of a disabled or ill family member confined at home; is  a first responder (a member of law enforcement, fire fighter, emergency technician, or search and rescue); is an election official; has a religious obligation; or is confined awaiting trial or having been convicted of a misdemeanor.
When voting in person absentee, and at the polls on Election Day, options are available to make voting accessible.  One voting machine is angled to be more visible for a voter in a wheelchair and another can be used on a desk.  An audio ballot is available (headphones are furnished), and voting equipment can be taken to the car for voters who are disabled or age 65 and older.  Voters who need “curbside voting” service may send in another person to say that someone is waiting to vote, or call the office at434-970-3250 before coming or after they are parked.