Virginia Department of Elections marks National Voter Registration Day

The Virginia Department of Elections is participating in National Voter Registration Day.  Volunteers and organizations from all over the Commonwealth will encourage eligible Virginians to register to vote and increase awareness of voter registration opportunities.  All Virginians should register to vote and/or verify their registration status online at vote.virginia.gov.

Department of Elections Staff will participate in a joint event with Virginia Union University, the Richmond City Registrar’s Office, and Richmond City Public Schools from 11am to 7pm at Henderson Hall on Virginia Union University’s campus at 1500 N. Lombardy St, Richmond, VA 23220.  Demonstrations of voting equipment, presentations, and registration activities will be held throughout the day and are open to the public.

The Department of Elections will mail a postcard to 394,552 potentially eligible unregistered Virginians to encourage them to register to vote.  “Voting is a fundamental right and the Department of Elections is committed to ensuring that all eligible Virginians are able to participate in the democratic process,” said Edgardo Cortés, Commissioner of Elections.  This large coordinated registration activity marks the beginning of a crucial countdown period to the October 14^th deadline for Virginians to register or update their registration for the November 4, 2014 General Election.

The Department of Elections is working with local election officials to educate voters about the new voter photo ID requirement effective this year.  The new law requires voters to show an acceptable photo ID when voting in person.  Voters who do not have an acceptable photo ID can receive a free Virginia Voter Photo ID Card from any local voter registration office.  More information about the voter photo ID law can be found at the Virginia Department of Elections Website at elections.virginia.gov or by calling (800) 552-9745.

This November 4^th, Virginia voters will vote on 408 offices ranging from town school board members to a United States Senator, a state constitutional amendment, and 23 local referendums.