SATURDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO VOTE ABSENTEE IN-PERSON - 10-30-2008

News Release
	For Immediate Release:       October 30, 2008	For More Information: Susan S. Pollard, APR Director of Communications SBE Media Office: 804-864-8901 (Press 3)  Office: 804-786-0282 Mobile: 804-641-9199
	SATURDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO VOTE ABSENTEE IN-PERSON ~ Absentee Ballots Cast Exceeds Total Cast in 2004 Presidential Election ~
	RICHMOND, VA- This Saturday, November 1, 2008 is the last day for Virginians to vote absentee in-person at their local registrars’ office. Those who qualify to vote absentee may fill out the Absentee Ballot Application Form and, upon confirmation of their eligibility, may cast their ballot in the registrar’s office. Virginians must qualify in one of 17 categories in order to be eligible to vote absentee. Absentee ballots sent by mail must be received by the close of polls on Election Day. There is no “early voting” in Virginia. As of October 30, 2008, more than 429,000 voters have applied for an absentee ballot and more than 312,000 have returned a voted ballot. In 2004, a total of 222,059 absentee ballots were cast. For more information on absentee voting contact the State Board of Elections, the local registrar or www.sbe.virginia.gov .                                                               ###