PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – If you are planning to vote in-person in the November 5 General Election, there are several things to know before you go.
Probably the most important thing to know on Election Day is where to go to cast your vote. If you’re unsure, you can visit the ‘Polling Place and Ballot Information Lookup‘ tool on the Virginia Department of Elections website.
Bring your ID
Once at your polling place, be ready to identify yourself. A valid ID is required by law to vote in Virginia.
The following are acceptable forms of ID:
- Virginia driver’s license
- Virginia DMV-issued ID cards may be current or expired
- Valid employee ID card, containing a photograph, issued by the voter’s employer in the ordinary course of business (public or private employer)
- U.S. Military ID
- Valid student IDs issued by a public or private high school or institution of higher education located in Virginia are acceptable in electronic form only if is an officially adopted method of issuing a student ID by the institution
- Valid student IDs containing a photograph, issued by a public or private institution of higher education located in the U.S are acceptable in electronic form only if it is an officially adopted method of issuing a student ID by the institution
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- Government-issued ID card from a federal, Virginia, or local political subdivision
- Voter ID card issued by the Department of Elections
- Voter confirmation documents
- Valid tribal enrollment or other tribal ID if issued by one of the 11 tribes recognized by Virginia
- Nursing home resident ID if issued by a government facility
- Current utility bills, bank statements, government checks, or paychecks containing the name and address of the voter if the document cannot be more than 12 months old are acceptable in physical or electronic form
- Any other current government document containing the name and address of the voter is acceptable in physical or electronic form
- Signed ID Confirmation Statement
The following is unlawful in the polling place and the prohibited area, which is defined as the area within 40 feet of any polling place entrance:
- Knowingly possessing a firearm while inside or within the 40 foot area of a polling place, including one hour before and one hour after the use of a building as a polling place. Exceptions include a qualified law-enforcement officer or retired law-enforcement officer, any person occupying his own private property that falls within 40 feet of the polling place, or a licensed armed security officer whose employment or performance of his duties occurs within 40 feet of the polling place.
- Loitering or congregating in the polling place and prohibited area.
- Hindering or delaying qualified voters from entering or leaving.
- Hindering or delaying any officer of election or voter.
- Neutral observers and authorized representatives assisting voters.
The following is unlawful in the polling place:
- Campaign, give, tender, or exhibit any ballot, ticket, or other campaign material to any person.
- Solicit or in any manner attempt to influence any person in casting his vote.
- Be in a position to see the marked ballot of any voter.
The following is ALLOWED OUTSIDE the prohibited area:
Campaigning in a way that does not hinder voters or officers of election. Media may conduct interviews and broadcast reporters’ remarks.
Campaign Stickers, Buttons and Apparel:
Only voters are allowed to display or wear campaign stickers, buttons, wristbands and apparel in the polling place. All others, like officers of election and authorized representatives, cannot wear any such apparel.
ALLOWED in the Voting Booth:
Voters are allowed to take sample ballot guides and campaign material with them into a voting booth.
They are also allowed to take their phone.
“Yeah they can bring their phone they can research candidates, we encourage it,” Christine Lewis, the director of elections for Virginia Beach, said. “If they don’t know they can use their phone research candidates and take their time.”
Click here to read the Code of Virginia that outlines the prohibited activities and penalties at polling places.