Who’s Who in Virginia Politics

Voting is a public way of saying, “Our families count, and together we can make a difference!”

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2019.

The last day to register is October 15, 2019. Visit https://vote.elections.virginia.gov to register to vote, check your status or find your polling place.

Elections matter because politicians create laws that help or hurt our families and communities. By getting involved during election season, we can help decide who represents us and let them know the issues we care about. In 2017, one Virginia House race ended in a tie, so we know that every vote matters.

Who Can Vote?

To vote, you must be 18 and a U.S. citizen. If you have been convicted of a felony and have completed your sentence, parole and probation, you may be eligible to have your voting rights restored by the governor. You can check your status online and apply for restoration at restore.virginia.gov.

Regardless of your voting status, you can make a difference!

  • Encourage and educate voters.
  • Share this guide at church or with neighbors, family and friends.
  • Talk to your elected officials about the issues that matter to you.

What to Bring to Vote

Virginia (VA) law requires you to present an acceptable form of identification (ID) that includes a photo when voting in person at your polling place. Acceptable IDs include:

  • VA driver’s license or ID card
  • U.S. passport
  • Other U.S. or VA government-issued photo ID
  • Tribal enrollment or other tribal ID issued by one of 11 tribes recognized by the Commonwealth of VA
  • Employer-issued photo ID
  • Student photo ID issued by a school, college or university in VA
  • VA Voter Photo ID card

All forms of photo ID can be used up to one year after the ID has expired. If you arrive at your polling place without an acceptable form of photo ID, you will be asked to vote a provisional ballot. For more information or to get a free Voter Photo ID, contact or visit your nearest Virginia Voter Registration Office or contact the Virginia Department of Elections at (800) 552-9745 or info@elections.virginia.gov.

Virginia Elected Positions

State Senate

The state has 40 Senate districts. Each district elects one senator. State senators are elected every four years.

What This Means For You

Propose laws that affect access to healthcare, including reproductive healthcare; set the minimum wage; and address discrimination in the workplace.

Approve the state budget, including how much money goes to healthcare programs, schools and other services.

Redraw maps for state and federal legislative districts after the 2020 Census.

State House of Delegates

The state has 100 House districts. Each district elects one delegate. Delegates to the House are elected every two years.

What This Means For You

Same as above.

County Board of Supervisors

The Board oversees governance of each county. In Fairfax County, the Board has 9 district supervisors and one at-large Chair position. Each is elected every four years.

What This Means For You

Set local tax rates and adopt an annual budget for the county.

Oversee land use decisions that affect housing and transportation.

Appoint positions within county government and on county commission.