Get Me to the Polls on Time: The ACTion Alexandria Voting Guide!

It's that time of year--when the leaves begin to fall, the air is grows cold and our televisions fill with political ads--Election Day is almost here! It's time to prepare to exercise your greatest civic responsibility and vote.

We've created guide to help you get your vote on!  What should you expect at your polling place? How do you get help should you need it. And nowww...

The ACTion Alexandria Voting Guide!

Where Do I Vote on Election Day?

• Polling Places.
• If you know your precinct, you can find your polling place on this map. 

What Should I Bring?

• A valid and current identification card is required like a 
  • Virginia issued driver's license
  • State ID or 
  • Voter registration card. 

The State Board of Elections has a list of what counts as proper ID.

If you don't have ID or left it in your other purse, you may cast a provisional ballot. But you need to present a valid ID by Friday, November 9.

What Happens at the Polling Place?

• You will be asked to give your "Full Legal Name" and "Current Residence Address."
• If you have a disability or have a temporary condition, let the check-in officers know. You and your assistant will need to do some paperwork prior to voting.
• You will then present some ID.
• When your registration has been verified, your name will be repeated loudly so that polling officers and other folks in the line can hear your name.
• After all that, you will be given a Registration Verified tag and your ballot.

Now you can vote!

What Are Some Do's and Don'ts?

• DO bring something to read or entertainment that you can enjoy quietly, especially of you have a long line.
• DO chat with your neighbors and catch up.
• DON'T talk about who or what you're voting for.
• DON'T campaign at the polls! Campaign volunteers are required to stay 40 feet away from the entrance where they can give you information and try to get your vote. You may use their guides as reference only but you can't campaign in the line.

When Can I Vote?

• Polls are open from 6 am to 7 pm. 
• Try to vote between 10 am and 4 pm when there are shorter lines and more parking. 
• If you work unusual or long hours, consider voting absentee.

What If I Need a Ride?

Political parties provide rides to polls. Party contact info:

• Democrats - www.alexdems.org, 703-549-3367
• Republicans - www.alexgop.org, 571-281-7042

All requests for reasonable accommodation due to disability should be made to the Office of Voter Registration and Elections with at least 48 hours notice. Call 703.746.4050.

The TTY number for hearing impaired persons is 703.838.5056.

How Do I Vote Absentee?

The last day to apply for an absentee ballot was Tuesday, October 30 at 5 pm.

In-person absentee voting started Friday, September 21 at 8 a.m. and ends Saturday, November 3 at 5:00 p.m.

For more information on voting absentee, go to the City of Alexandria's Voting Registration and Election page.

Absentee voting places and hours are:

In-Person Absentee Voting at the Office of Voter Registration & Elections 132 North Royal Street, Suite 100
(Beginning Friday, September 21)

• Monday-Friday, (closed October 8) 8 am - 5 pm
• Saturdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3 8 am - 5 pm

Extended Evening Hours

• Tuesday, October 16 8 am - 8 pm
• Wednesday, October 17 8 am - 8 pm
• Thursday, October 18 8 am - 8 pm
• Thursday, October 25 8 am - 8 pm
• Friday, October 26 8 am - 6 pm
• Monday, October 29 (Cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy)
• Tuesday, October 30 10 am - 8 pm
• Wednesday, October 31 8 am - 8 pm
• Thursday, November 1 8 am - 8 pm
• Friday, November 2 8 am - 6 pm

In-Person Absentee Voting at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria
(Beginning Thursday, October 25)

• Thursday, October 25 12 noon - 8 pm
• Friday, October 26 12 noon - 6 pm
• Saturday, October 27 10 am - 5 pm
• Monday, October 29 (Cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy)
• Tuesday, October 30 (Cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy)
• Wednesday, October 31 12 noon - 8 pm
• Thursday, November 1 12 noon - 8 pm
• Friday, November 2 12 noon - 6 pm
• Saturday, November 3 10 am - 5 pm

You want MORE voting information? Head over to the City of Alexandria's Voting Registration and Election page.