There Is No Early Voting in Virginia. Voters Must Qualify Except for Presidential-Only

Rumor Buster
	For Immediate Release:       October 23, 2008	For More Information: Susan S. Pollard, APR Director of Communications Office: 804-786-0282 Mobile: 804-641-9199
TRUE: There are 17 categories that qualify a voter to vote absentee.  There Is No Early Voting in Virginia. Voters Must Qualify Except for “Presidential-Only”
	RICHMOND, VA – A false rumor has been circulating about Virginia’s absentee voting process. Claims have been made that all voters casting an absentee ballot will lose the ability to vote in local or state elections and will only be able to vote in the presidential race. This rumor is false.  Seventeen different categories exist by which a registered voter may qualify to vote absentee. There is confusion about the category that qualifies voters to vote absentee if they are requesting a ballot for the Presidential and Vice Presidential election only. If a voter selects this option by which to qualify for an absentee ballot, they will not be able to vote in state and local level elections. This is the only option that does not require an excuse.   Any voter who fits into one of the remaining categories can vote using a full absentee ballot. The ballot will be the same as the ballot used in the voter’s locality on Election Day.   To obtain a Virginia Absentee Ballot Application go to the State Board of Elections web site at www.sbe.virginia.gov or contact the local registrar’s office. # # #