This is a big year for Virginia as we will elect a new Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General on November 3. We also have the privilege of voting in House of Delegates races.

As a homeowner you have additional interests and concerns about who will lead our state over the next few years. Real estate taxes, property rights, economic development, transportation, and education are just a few issues that our elected officials will make decisions on which will affect the value of your home.

Here's a step-by-step guide to helping to ensure that your voice is heard on Election Day, November 3.

Voter Registration
The first step to becoming an informed voter is to get registered, and you do that through the Board of Elections (BOE). The deadline to register is 5 p.m. on October 5. All you have to do is download the voter registration form (click here for a list of all BOE forms), and mail it in before the deadline.

If you've moved recently, submit a new Voter Registration form with your new residence address by the voter registration deadline of October 5.

Not sure if you're registered for the right polling place? Want to know if your polling place has moved? Then check out the BOE's voter information Web site.

Polling Places
On November 3, go to your assigned polling place (find out where it is here) and bring government issued identification such as a driver's license or passport. Polls are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. You must be in line before 7 p.m. to have your vote counted.

Absentee Ballots
If you're uncertain if you’ll be able to make it to your polling place on Election Day, its best to be safe and vote by absentee ballot.

To vote by absentee ballot, you must first complete the absentee ballot application (get it here). The application must be received by your city or county voter registration office before October 27 at 5 p.m.

Once your absentee ballot application has been processed you will receive an absentee ballot, which must be completed and returned to your city or county voter registration office before November 3 at 7 p.m.

To ensure that your vote is counted, be sure to register as soon as possible, and if you are voting by absentee ballot, submit it early.

Need more help?
Contact your local General Registrar.