Virginia civic guide
The laws and deadlines that matter when you want to change something in Virginia: how to get public records, how public meetings work, and how to vote.
Your 2026 election
General election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
- Register by
- Online Oct 23 · Mail postmarked Oct 23 · In person Oct 23 (5 pm)
- Same-day registration
- Yes (after the deadline, register and vote a provisional ballot)
- Early voting
- Sep 18 – Oct 31
- Statewide ballot measures
- 3 on the ballot
- Create a constitutional right to make reproductive decisions, including abortion
- Repeal the same-sex marriage ban; allow marriage regardless of sex, gender or race
- Restore voting rights after release from prison for a felony
Titles as listed by official sources. Read the full text and the official summary before you vote.
Public records
Anyone can ask a government agency for copies of its records. You usually don't have to say why.
- Law
- Virginia Freedom of Information Act
- Citation
- Va. Code §§ 2.2-3700 et seq. (requests: § 2.2-3704)
- First response deadline
- Promptly, within 5 working days (+7 more work days if needed)
Open meetings
Most government boards must meet in public and post notice ahead of time.
- Law
- Virginia Freedom of Information Act (also covers meetings)
- Citation
- Va. Code §§ 2.2-3700 et seq.
Recording conversations
One-party consent (Va. Code § 19.2-62)
This is about recording conversations. Recording officials in public is a separate question that courts decide case by case.
More to know
- Pre-registration age (sign up before 18)
- Age 16
- Ballot initiatives
- No statewide citizen initiative. Change goes through the legislature.
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Pick an issue and we'll show you who handles it and help you write to them.
Start on Civic Ladder →Learn the skillsSources
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter37/section2.2-3704/
- https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/preregistration-for-young-voters
- https://ballotpedia.org/States_with_initiative_or_referendum
- https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/09/21/virginia-voters-decide-three-constitutional-amendments-november/
- https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/how-to-register/
General civic information, not legal advice. Laws and deadlines change; confirm with the official office. Election details as researched 2026-10-17.