As the 2020 election approaches, many voters in Fairfax County, VA are wondering about the deadlines for requesting an absentee ballot. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are opting to vote by mail rather than in person. This has led to a surge in absentee ballot requests across the country, including in Fairfax County.
Why Request an Absentee Ballot?
Before we dive into the specific deadlines for absentee ballot requests in Fairfax County, let's first understand why someone would choose to vote by mail. There are a few reasons why someone may request an absentee ballot:- Travel: If you will be out of town on Election Day, you can request an absentee ballot to vote from wherever you are.
- Illness or disability: If you are unable to physically go to the polls due to illness or disability, you can request an absentee ballot.
- Military service: If you are serving in the military and stationed away from your home county, you can request an absentee ballot.
- COVID-19 concerns: Due to the pandemic, many people are choosing to vote by mail to avoid potential exposure at polling places.
The Deadline for Absentee Ballot Requests in Fairfax County
The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot in Fairfax County is October 23rd at 5pm.This means that your request must be received by the county registrar's office by this date and time. It is important to note that this is not the deadline for returning your completed ballot - that deadline is November 3rd at 7pm. It is recommended that you request your absentee ballot as soon as possible to ensure enough time for it to be processed and mailed to you. You can request an absentee ballot online through the Virginia Department of Elections website, or by filling out a paper application and mailing it to the county registrar's office.
Other Important Deadlines for the 2020 Election in Fairfax County
In addition to the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot, there are a few other important deadlines to keep in mind for the 2020 election in Fairfax County:- October 13th: This is the last day to register to vote in Virginia. If you are not already registered, you will not be able to request an absentee ballot.
- October 23rd: This is also the deadline for in-person absentee voting.
If you prefer to vote early but still want to do so in person, you must do so by this date.
- November 3rd: Election Day! All completed absentee ballots must be received by the county registrar's office by 7pm on this day.
What Happens After You Request an Absentee Ballot?
Once you have requested your absentee ballot, it will be mailed to you along with instructions on how to complete and return it. You will need to fill out your ballot, place it in the provided envelope, and either mail it back or drop it off at a designated location. It is important to follow all instructions carefully to ensure your vote is counted. If you have requested an absentee ballot but decide you would rather vote in person, you can do so.However, you will need to bring your absentee ballot with you to the polling place and surrender it before casting your vote.
