Frequently Asked Questions On

 What is a Primary Election?
   A primary election is an election held for the purpose of selecting candidates to be the nominee of a political party for election to an office.  Nominees will become the party's candidate for the office in the next general election held for that office.  In other words, primary elections are one means by which a political party nominates candidates for an upcoming general election.

 Why do we have primaries in Virginia?
   A primary election is governed by both election law and the two major political parties (Democrat and Republican) in Virginia.  When more than one candidate from one of the two major political parties intends to run for an office as a candidate of their party, the incumbent candidate or the political party can decide to have a primary election to allow voters to decide which of the candidates will be the party's candidate in the next general election.  The certified winner of the party's primary election become the party's candidate in the next general election.

 Why can’t I vote in both primaries or vote for candidates from different parties?
   Virginia is an open primary state which means that any qualified voter can vote in either party's primary election.  Virginia does not have party registration in its voter registration process.  In other words, citizens do not designate a political party affiliation when registering to vote in Virginia.  Virginia election law stipulates that while any qualified voter may voter in either political party's primary election, no voter may vote in more than one political party's primary on the same election day.

 If I vote in a particular party's primary, will my voter registration records become affiliated with that party?
   No.  Voting in any party's primary election in Virginia does not affiliate the voter with either of the political parties.  The fact that you voted in the party's primary becomes part of your voting history but, does not affiliate you with either political party.  Voting in a party's primary does not hinder the voter's choices in future elections (primary or general).

 How do I find out if I'm registered to vote in Virginia?
   If you have questions about your voter registration status, contact your local county or city general registrar.  If you believe that you are registered to vote in Virginia, you can verify your voter registration status on-line from our website.  

 Where Do I go to vote?
   To determine your polling place location, contact your local county or city general registrar's office.  You may also get information about your polling place by using our on-line Where Do I Vote application.

 How do I register to vote in Virginia?
   Registering to vote in Virginia is easy and convenient.  To register to vote in Virginia, you must fill out and submit a voter registration application.   If it is determined that you qualify to vote, your local county/city general registrars will add you to the county/city voter registration database.  For more information about becoming a registered voter contact your local county or city general registrar