In Virginia, the state primarily uses optical ballot scanning machines, according to this elections website. Here’s how it works: An optical ballot scanning machine counts marks made on paper by the voter. For people with disabilities who wish to vote privately and independently, a Ballot Marking Device and System would be used. Want to know more about these optical ballot scanning machines that we do use in Virginia? A polling place typically only needs one machine, with certain exceptions: For example, in a presidential election, a precinct with more than 4,000 registered voters will be required to have two ballot scanning machines.

Click or tap here for deadlines in each state to register for the primary election and the general election in November. This is where you really want to start familiarizing yourself with your state’s Secretary of State or Department of State website. People can be eligible to vote by mail if they are:Going to be away from their county on Election Day and during early voting. Absentee/mail-in ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots from voters overseas must be received by the fifth day after Election Day, while ballots from members of the armed forced must be received by the sixth day after Election Day.