{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/24.2-701.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/24.2-701.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/24.2-701.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/24.2-701.html"}],"law_id":60154,"edition_id":1,"section_id":60154,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-701","catch_line":"Application for absentee ballot","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 24.1-228; 1970, c. 462, \u00a7 24.1-228.1; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 119; 1972, cc. 620, 621; 1973, c. 30; 1974, c. 428; 1975, c. 515; 1977, c. 490; 1978, c. 778; 1980, c. 639; 1981, c. 425; 1982, c. 650; 1983, c. 461; 1988, c. 8; 1989, c. 320; 1992, c. 288; 1993, cc. 414, 641; 1996, c. 295; 1998, c. 254; 2000, cc. 378, 863; 2001, cc. 621, 631, 793; 2002, cc. 785, 819; 2003, c. 478; 2004, c. 410; 2006, c. 438; 2007, c. 315; 2008, cc. 386, 425, 880; 2009, cc. 405, 873; 2010, c. 244; 2011, cc. 427, 458; 2012, cc. 353, 612, 838, 839; 2013, cc. 535, 620, 725; 2015, cc. 314, 644, 645; 2017, c. 631; 2018, c. 595; 2019, cc. 668, 669; 2020, cc. 289, 561, 735, 1064, 1065, 1149, 1151, 1201; 2024, c. 553.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Department shall furnish each general registrar with a sufficient number of applications for official absentee ballots. The registrars shall furnish applications to persons requesting them.\n\t\t\tThe Department shall implement a system that enables eligible persons to request and receive an absentee ballot application electronically through the Internet. Electronic absentee ballot applications shall be in a form approved by the State Board.\n\t\t\tExcept as provided in § 24.2-703 or 24.2-703.1, a separate application shall be completed for each election in which the applicant offers to vote. An application for an absentee ballot may be accepted the later of (i) 12 months before an election or (ii) the day following any election held in the twelfth month prior to the election in which the applicant is applying to vote.\n\t\t\tAn application that is completed in person at the same time that the applicant registers to vote shall be held and processed no sooner than the fifth day after the date that the applicant registered to vote; however, this requirement shall not be applicable to any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452.\n\t\t\tAny application received before the ballots are printed shall be held and processed as soon as the printed ballots for the election are available.\n\t\t\tFor the purposes of this chapter, the general registrar’s office shall be open a minimum of eight hours between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the first and second Saturday immediately preceding all elections.\n\t\t\tUnless the applicant is disabled, all applications for absentee ballots shall be signed by the applicant who shall state, subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016, that to the best of his knowledge and belief the facts contained in the application are true and correct and that he has not and will not vote in the election at any other place in Virginia or in any other state. If the applicant is unable to sign the application, a person assisting the applicant will note this fact on the applicant signature line and provide his signature, name, and address.B\n\nApplications for absentee ballots shall be completed in the following manner:1\n\nAn application completed in person shall be completed only in the office of the general registrar and signed by the applicant in the presence of a registrar. The applicant shall provide one of the forms of identification specified in subsection B of § 24.2-643, or if he is unable to present one of the specified forms of identification listed in that subsection, he shall sign a statement, subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016, that he is the named registered voter he claims to be. An applicant who requires assistance in voting by reason of a physical disability or an inability to read or write, and who requests assistance pursuant to § 24.2-649, may be assisted in preparation of this statement in accordance with that section. The provisions of § 24.2-649 regarding voters who are unable to sign shall be followed when assisting a voter in completing this statement. Any applicant who does not show one of the forms of identification specified in subsection B of § 24.2-643 or does not sign this statement shall be offered a provisional ballot under the provisions of § 24.2-653. The State Board of Elections shall provide instructions to the general registrar for the handling and counting of such provisional ballots pursuant to § 24.2-653.01 and this section.\n\t\t\t\tThis paragraph shall apply in the case of any individual who is required by subparagraph (b) of 52 U.S.C. § 21083 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to show identification the first time he votes in a federal election in the state. At such election, such individual shall present (i) a current and valid photo identification or (ii) a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter. Such individual who desires to vote in person but does not show one of the forms of identification specified in this paragraph shall be offered a provisional ballot under the provisions of § 24.2-653. The identification requirements of subsection B of § 24.2-643 and subsection A of § 24.2-653 shall not apply to such voter at such election. The Department of Elections shall provide instructions to the electoral boards for the handling and counting of such provisional ballots pursuant to § 24.2-653.01 and this section.2\n\nAny other application may be made by mail, by electronic or telephonic transmission to a facsimile device if one is available to the office of the general registrar or to the office of the Department if a device is not available locally, or by other means. The application shall be on a form furnished by the registrar or as specified in subdivision 3. The application shall be made to the appropriate registrar no later than 5:00 p.m. on the eleventh day prior to the election in which the applicant offers to vote.3\n\nThe application of any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452, may be on a federal postcard application, as defined in § 24.2-452. The federal postcard application may be accepted the later of (i) 12 months before an election or (ii) the day following any election held in the twelfth month prior to the election in which the applicant is applying to vote.C\n\nApplications for absentee ballots shall contain the following information:1\n\nThe applicant’s printed name and the last four digits of the applicant’s social security number. However, an applicant completing the application in person shall not be required to provide the last four digits of his social security number;2\n\nA statement that he is registered in the county or city in which he offers to vote and his residence address in such county or city. Any person temporarily residing outside the United States shall provide the last date of residency at his Virginia residence address, if that residence is no longer available to him. Any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452, who is not a registered voter may file the applications to register and for a ballot simultaneously; and3\n\nThe complete address to which the ballot is to be sent directly to the applicant, unless the application is made in person at a time when the printed ballots for the election are available and the applicant chooses to vote in person at the time of completing his application. The address given shall be (i) the address of the applicant on file in the registration records; (ii) the address at which he will be located while absent from his county or city; or (iii) the address at which he will be located while temporarily confined while awaiting trial or for a misdemeanor conviction or due to a disability or illness. No ballot shall be sent to, or in care of, any other person.D\n\nAn application shall not be required for any registered voter appearing in person to cast an absentee ballot pursuant to § 24.2-701.1.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":220096,"text":"The Department shall furnish each general registrar with a sufficient number of applications for official absentee ballots. The registrars shall furnish applications to persons requesting them.\n\t\t\tThe Department shall implement a system that enables eligible persons to request and receive an absentee ballot application electronically through the Internet. Electronic absentee ballot applications shall be in a form approved by the State Board.\n\t\t\tExcept as provided in § 24.2-703 or 24.2-703.1, a separate application shall be completed for each election in which the applicant offers to vote. An application for an absentee ballot may be accepted the later of (i) 12 months before an election or (ii) the day following any election held in the twelfth month prior to the election in which the applicant is applying to vote.\n\t\t\tAn application that is completed in person at the same time that the applicant registers to vote shall be held and processed no sooner than the fifth day after the date that the applicant registered to vote; however, this requirement shall not be applicable to any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452.\n\t\t\tAny application received before the ballots are printed shall be held and processed as soon as the printed ballots for the election are available.\n\t\t\tFor the purposes of this chapter, the general registrar’s office shall be open a minimum of eight hours between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the first and second Saturday immediately preceding all elections.\n\t\t\tUnless the applicant is disabled, all applications for absentee ballots shall be signed by the applicant who shall state, subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016, that to the best of his knowledge and belief the facts contained in the application are true and correct and that he has not and will not vote in the election at any other place in Virginia or in any other state. If the applicant is unable to sign the application, a person assisting the applicant will note this fact on the applicant signature line and provide his signature, name, and address.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":220097,"text":"Applications for absentee ballots shall be completed in the following manner:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":220098,"text":"An application completed in person shall be completed only in the office of the general registrar and signed by the applicant in the presence of a registrar. The applicant shall provide one of the forms of identification specified in subsection B of § 24.2-643, or if he is unable to present one of the specified forms of identification listed in that subsection, he shall sign a statement, subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016, that he is the named registered voter he claims to be. An applicant who requires assistance in voting by reason of a physical disability or an inability to read or write, and who requests assistance pursuant to § 24.2-649, may be assisted in preparation of this statement in accordance with that section. The provisions of § 24.2-649 regarding voters who are unable to sign shall be followed when assisting a voter in completing this statement. Any applicant who does not show one of the forms of identification specified in subsection B of § 24.2-643 or does not sign this statement shall be offered a provisional ballot under the provisions of § 24.2-653. The State Board of Elections shall provide instructions to the general registrar for the handling and counting of such provisional ballots pursuant to § 24.2-653.01 and this section.\n\t\t\t\tThis paragraph shall apply in the case of any individual who is required by subparagraph (b) of 52 U.S.C. § 21083 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to show identification the first time he votes in a federal election in the state. At such election, such individual shall present (i) a current and valid photo identification or (ii) a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter. Such individual who desires to vote in person but does not show one of the forms of identification specified in this paragraph shall be offered a provisional ballot under the provisions of § 24.2-653. The identification requirements of subsection B of § 24.2-643 and subsection A of § 24.2-653 shall not apply to such voter at such election. The Department of Elections shall provide instructions to the electoral boards for the handling and counting of such provisional ballots pursuant to § 24.2-653.01 and this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":220099,"text":"Any other application may be made by mail, by electronic or telephonic transmission to a facsimile device if one is available to the office of the general registrar or to the office of the Department if a device is not available locally, or by other means. The application shall be on a form furnished by the registrar or as specified in subdivision 3. The application shall be made to the appropriate registrar no later than 5:00 p.m. on the eleventh day prior to the election in which the applicant offers to vote.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":220100,"text":"The application of any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452, may be on a federal postcard application, as defined in § 24.2-452. The federal postcard application may be accepted the later of (i) 12 months before an election or (ii) the day following any election held in the twelfth month prior to the election in which the applicant is applying to vote.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"C"},"5":{"id":220101,"text":"Applications for absentee ballots shall contain the following information:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"C1"},"6":{"id":220102,"text":"The applicant’s printed name and the last four digits of the applicant’s social security number. However, an applicant completing the application in person shall not be required to provide the last four digits of his social security number;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"7":{"id":220103,"text":"A statement that he is registered in the county or city in which he offers to vote and his residence address in such county or city. Any person temporarily residing outside the United States shall provide the last date of residency at his Virginia residence address, if that residence is no longer available to him. Any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452, who is not a registered voter may file the applications to register and for a ballot simultaneously; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"8":{"id":220104,"text":"The complete address to which the ballot is to be sent directly to the applicant, unless the application is made in person at a time when the printed ballots for the election are available and the applicant chooses to vote in person at the time of completing his application. The address given shall be (i) the address of the applicant on file in the registration records; (ii) the address at which he will be located while absent from his county or city; or (iii) the address at which he will be located while temporarily confined while awaiting trial or for a misdemeanor conviction or due to a disability or illness. No ballot shall be sent to, or in care of, any other person.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"D"},"9":{"id":220105,"text":"An application shall not be required for any registered voter appearing in person to cast an absentee ballot pursuant to § 24.2-701.1.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C3"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13627,"edition_id":1,"name":"Absentee Voting","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12937,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:25","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:25","permalink":{"id":188855,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13627,"identifier":"7","token":"24.2\/7","url":"\/24.2\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12937,"edition_id":1,"name":"Elections","identifier":"24.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","permalink":{"id":187149,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12937,"identifier":"24.2","token":"24.2","url":"\/24.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":69610,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-700","catch_line":"Persons entitled to vote by absentee ballot","url":"\/24.2-700\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-700","metadata":false},{"id":84793,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-700.1","catch_line":"Persons entitled to vote by absentee ballot; persons confined awaiting trial or for conviction of a misdemeanor","url":"\/24.2-700.1\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-700.1","metadata":false},{"id":60154,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-701","catch_line":"Application for absentee ballot","url":"\/24.2-701\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-701","metadata":false},{"id":85860,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-701.1","catch_line":"Absentee voting in person","url":"\/24.2-701.1\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-701.1","metadata":false},{"id":84700,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-701.2","catch_line":"Absentee voting in person; voter satellite offices","url":"\/24.2-701.2\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-701.2","metadata":false},{"id":54857,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-702","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/24.2-702\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-702","metadata":false},{"id":86385,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-702.1","catch_line":"Federal write-in absentee ballots","url":"\/24.2-702.1\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-702.1","metadata":false},{"id":70207,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-703","catch_line":"Application for absentee ballots for multiple elections for uniformed and overseas voters","url":"\/24.2-703\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-703","metadata":false},{"id":56138,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-703.1","catch_line":"Permanent absentee voter list","url":"\/24.2-703.1\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-703.1","metadata":false},{"id":65968,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-703.2","catch_line":"Replacement absentee ballots for certain disabled or ill voters; penalty","url":"\/24.2-703.2\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-703.2","metadata":false},{"id":79861,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-704","catch_line":"Applications and ballots for persons requiring assistance in voting; penalty","url":"\/24.2-704\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-704","metadata":false},{"id":61415,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-705","catch_line":"Emergency applications and absentee ballots for individual emergencies","url":"\/24.2-705\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-705","metadata":false},{"id":55549,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-705.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/24.2-705.1\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-705.1","metadata":false},{"id":60228,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-706","catch_line":"Duty of general registrar on receipt of application; statement of voter","url":"\/24.2-706\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-706","metadata":false},{"id":70050,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-707","catch_line":"How ballots marked and returned","url":"\/24.2-707\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-707","metadata":false},{"id":55257,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-707.1","catch_line":"Drop-off locations for return of absentee ballots","url":"\/24.2-707.1\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-707.1","metadata":false},{"id":54596,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-708","catch_line":"Return of unused ballots; voting by applicant who did not receive or lost ballot; defaced ballots","url":"\/24.2-708\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-708","metadata":false},{"id":57665,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-709","catch_line":"Ballot to be returned in manner prescribed by law","url":"\/24.2-709\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-709","metadata":false},{"id":60441,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-709.1","catch_line":"Processing returned absentee ballots before election day; cure process","url":"\/24.2-709.1\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-709.1","metadata":false},{"id":63927,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-710","catch_line":"Absentee voter applicant lists","url":"\/24.2-710\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-710","metadata":false},{"id":84940,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-711","catch_line":"Duties of electoral board, general registrar, and officers of election","url":"\/24.2-711\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-711","metadata":false},{"id":76028,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-711.1","catch_line":"Absentee ballots; confirmation of receipt; notice of reason for rejection","url":"\/24.2-711.1\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-711.1","metadata":false},{"id":59219,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-712","catch_line":"Central absentee voter precincts; counting ballots","url":"\/24.2-712\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-712","metadata":false},{"id":60075,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-713","catch_line":"Emergency authority of the Commissioner of Elections","url":"\/24.2-713\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-713","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":84793,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-700.1","catch_line":"Persons entitled to vote by absentee ballot; persons confined awaiting trial or for conviction of a misdemeanor","url":"\/24.2-700.1\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-700.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":85860,"structure_id":13627,"section_number":"24.2-701.1","catch_line":"Absentee voting in person","url":"\/24.2-701.1\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-701.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/24.2-701\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 36 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1970, chapter 462; in 1972, chapters 620 and 621; in 1973, chapter 30; in 1974, chapter 428; in 1975, chapter 515; in 1977, chapter 490; in 1978, chapter 778; in 1980, chapter 639; in 1981, chapter 425; in 1982, chapter 650; in 1983, chapter 461; in 1988, chapter 8; in 1989, chapter 320; in 1992, chapter 288; in 1993, chapters 414 and 641; in 1996, chapter 295<\/a>; in 1998, chapter 254<\/a>; in 2000, chapters 378<\/a> and 863<\/a>; in 2001, chapters 621<\/a>, 631<\/a>, and 793<\/a>; in 2002, chapters 785<\/a> and 819<\/a>; in 2003, chapter 478<\/a>; in 2004, chapter 410<\/a>; in 2006, chapter 438<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 315<\/a>; in 2008, chapters 386<\/a>, 425<\/a>, and 880<\/a>; in 2009, chapters 405<\/a> and 873<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 244<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 427<\/a> and 458<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 353<\/a>, 612<\/a>, 838<\/a>, and 839<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 535<\/a>, 620<\/a>, and 725<\/a>; in 2015, chapters 314<\/a>, 644<\/a>, and 645<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 631<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 595<\/a>; in 2019, chapters 668<\/a> and 669<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 289<\/a>, 561<\/a>, 735<\/a>, 1064<\/a>, 1065<\/a>, 1149<\/a>, 1151<\/a>, and 1201<\/a>; in 2024, chapter 553<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":63717,"section_number":"24.2-411","catch_line":"Office of the general registrar","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-411\/"},{"id":57868,"section_number":"24.2-612","catch_line":"List of offices and candidates filed with Department of Elections and checked for accuracy; when ballots printed; number required","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-612\/"},{"id":84700,"section_number":"24.2-701.2","catch_line":"Absentee voting in person; voter satellite offices","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-701.2\/"},{"id":86385,"section_number":"24.2-702.1","catch_line":"Federal write-in absentee ballots","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-702.1\/"},{"id":60228,"section_number":"24.2-706","catch_line":"Duty of general registrar on receipt of application; statement of voter","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-706\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":86258,"section_number":"24.2-1016","catch_line":"False statements; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-1016\/"},{"id":56695,"section_number":"24.2-452","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-452\/"},{"id":59861,"section_number":"24.2-643","catch_line":"Qualified voter permitted to vote; procedures at polling place; voter identification","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-643\/"},{"id":77348,"section_number":"24.2-649","catch_line":"Assistance for certain voters inside the polling place; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-649\/"},{"id":78491,"section_number":"24.2-653","catch_line":"Provisional voting; procedures in polling place","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-653\/"},{"id":56440,"section_number":"24.2-653.01","catch_line":"Provisional ballots; electoral boards to make determination as to validity","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-653.01\/"},{"id":85860,"section_number":"24.2-701.1","catch_line":"Absentee voting in person","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-701.1\/"},{"id":70207,"section_number":"24.2-703","catch_line":"Application for absentee ballots for multiple elections for uniformed and overseas voters","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-703\/"},{"id":56138,"section_number":"24.2-703.1","catch_line":"Permanent absentee voter list","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-703.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":188865,"object_type":"law","relational_id":60154,"identifier":"24.2-701","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-701","url":"\/24.2-701\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/24.2-701\/","token":"24.2\/7\/24.2-701","dublin_core":{"Title":"Application for absentee ballot","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 24.2-701","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall furnish each general registrar<\/span> with a sufficient number of applications for official absentee ballots. The registrars shall furnish applications to persons requesting them.\n\t\t\tThe Department<\/span> shall implement a system that enables eligible persons to request and receive an absentee ballot application electronically through the Internet. Electronic absentee ballot applications shall be in a form approved by the State Board<\/span>.\n\t\t\tExcept as provided in § 24.2-703<\/a> or 24.2-703.1<\/a>, a separate application shall be completed for each election<\/span> in which the applicant offers to vote. An application for an absentee ballot may be accepted the later of (i) 12 months before an election<\/span> or (ii) the day following any election<\/span> held in the twelfth month prior to the election<\/span> in which the applicant is applying to vote.\n\t\t\tAn application that is completed in person at the same time that the applicant registers to vote shall be held and processed no sooner than the fifth day after the date that the applicant registered to vote; however, this requirement shall not be applicable to any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452<\/a>.\n\t\t\tAny application received before the ballots are printed shall be held and processed as soon as the printed ballots<\/span> for the election<\/span> are available.\n\t\t\tFor the purposes of this chapter, the general registrar<\/span>’s office shall be open a minimum of eight hours between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the first and second Saturday immediately preceding all elections<\/span>.\n\t\t\tUnless the applicant is disabled, all applications for absentee ballots shall be signed by the applicant who shall state, subject to felony<\/span> penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016<\/a>, that to the best of his knowledge and belief the facts<\/span> contained in the application are true and correct and that he has not and will not vote in the election<\/span> at any other place in Virginia or in any other state. If the applicant is unable to sign the application, a person assisting the applicant will note this fact<\/span> on the applicant signature line and provide his signature, name, and address. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Applications for absentee ballots shall be completed in the following manner: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> An application completed in person shall be completed only in the office of the general registrar<\/span> and signed by the applicant in the presence of a registrar. The applicant shall provide one of the forms of identification specified in subsection B of § 24.2-643<\/a>, or if he is unable to present one of the specified forms of identification listed in that subsection, he shall sign a statement, subject to felony<\/span> penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016<\/a>, that he is the named registered voter<\/span> he claims to be. An applicant who requires assistance in voting by reason of a physical disability or an inability to read or write, and who requests assistance pursuant to § 24.2-649<\/a>, may be assisted in preparation of this statement in accordance with that section. The provisions of § 24.2-649<\/a> regarding voters who are unable to sign shall be followed when assisting a voter in completing this statement. Any applicant who does not show one of the forms of identification specified in subsection B of § 24.2-643<\/a> or does not sign this statement shall be offered a provisional ballot under the provisions of § 24.2-653<\/a>. The State Board<\/span> of Elections shall provide instructions to the general registrar<\/span> for the handling and counting of such provisional ballots pursuant to § 24.2-653.01<\/a> and this section.\n\t\t\t\tThis paragraph shall apply in the case of any individual who is required by subparagraph (b) of 52 U.S.C. § 21083 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to show identification the first time he votes in a federal election<\/span> in the state. At such election<\/span>, such individual shall present (i) a current and valid photo identification or (ii) a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter. Such individual who desires to vote in person but does not show one of the forms of identification specified in this paragraph shall be offered a provisional ballot under the provisions of § 24.2-653<\/a>. The identification requirements of subsection B of § 24.2-643<\/a> and subsection A of § 24.2-653<\/a> shall not apply to such voter at such election<\/span>. The Department of Elections<\/span> shall provide instructions to the electoral boards<\/span> for the handling and counting of such provisional ballots pursuant to § 24.2-653.01<\/a> and this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Any other application may be made by mail, by electronic or telephonic transmission to a facsimile device if one is available to the office of the general registrar<\/span> or to the office of the Department if a device is not available locally, or by other means. The application shall be on a form furnished by the registrar or as specified in subdivision 3. The application shall be made to the appropriate registrar no later than 5:00 p.m. on the eleventh day prior to the election<\/span> in which the applicant offers to vote. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The application of any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452<\/a>, may be on a federal postcard application, as defined in § 24.2-452<\/a>. The federal postcard application may be accepted the later of (i) 12 months before an election<\/span> or (ii) the day following any election<\/span> held in the twelfth month prior to the election<\/span> in which the applicant is applying to vote. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Applications for absentee ballots shall contain the following information: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The applicant’s printed name and the last four digits of the applicant’s social security number. However, an applicant completing the application in person shall not be required to provide the last four digits of his social security number; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> A statement that he is registered in the county or city in which he offers to vote and his residence<\/span> address in such county or city. Any person temporarily residing outside the United States shall provide the last date of residency at his Virginia residence<\/span> address, if that residence<\/span> is no longer available to him. Any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452<\/a>, who is not a registered voter<\/span> may file the applications to register and for a ballot simultaneously; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The complete address to which the ballot is to be sent directly to the applicant, unless the application is made in person at a time when the printed ballots<\/span> for the election<\/span> are available and the applicant chooses to vote in person at the time of completing his application. The address given shall be (i) the address of the applicant on file in the registration records<\/span>; (ii) the address at which he will be located while absent from his county or city; or (iii) the address at which he will be located while temporarily confined while awaiting trial<\/span> or for a misdemeanor<\/span> conviction<\/span> or due to a disability or illness. No ballot shall be sent to, or in care of, any other person. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> An application shall not be required for any registered voter<\/span> appearing in person to cast an absentee ballot pursuant to § 24.2-701.1<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAPPLICATION FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT (\u00a7 24.2-701)\n\nA. The Department shall furnish each general registrar with a sufficient number\nof applications for official absentee ballots. The registrars shall furnish\napplications to persons requesting them.\n\t\t\tThe Department shall implement a system that enables eligible persons to\nrequest and receive an absentee ballot application electronically through the\nInternet. Electronic absentee ballot applications shall be in a form approved by\nthe State Board.\n\t\t\tExcept as provided in § 24.2-703 or 24.2-703.1, a separate application\nshall be completed for each election in which the applicant offers to vote. An\napplication for an absentee ballot may be accepted the later of (i) 12 months\nbefore an election or (ii) the day following any election held in the twelfth\nmonth prior to the election in which the applicant is applying to vote.\n\t\t\tAn application that is completed in person at the same time that the\napplicant registers to vote shall be held and processed no sooner than the fifth\nday after the date that the applicant registered to vote; however, this\nrequirement shall not be applicable to any covered voter, as defined in §\n24.2-452.\n\t\t\tAny application received before the ballots are printed shall be held and\nprocessed as soon as the printed ballots for the election are available.\n\t\t\tFor the purposes of this chapter, the general registrar’s office shall\nbe open a minimum of eight hours between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on\nthe first and second Saturday immediately preceding all elections.\n\t\t\tUnless the applicant is disabled, all applications for absentee ballots shall\nbe signed by the applicant who shall state, subject to felony penalties for\nmaking false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016, that to the best of his\nknowledge and belief the facts contained in the application are true and correct\nand that he has not and will not vote in the election at any other place in\nVirginia or in any other state. If the applicant is unable to sign the\napplication, a person assisting the applicant will note this fact on the\napplicant signature line and provide his signature, name, and address.\n\nB. Applications for absentee ballots shall be completed in the following manner:\n\n 1. An application completed in person shall be completed only in the office of\n the general registrar and signed by the applicant in the presence of a\n registrar. The applicant shall provide one of the forms of identification\n specified in subsection B of § 24.2-643, or if he is unable to present\n one of the specified forms of identification listed in that subsection, he\n shall sign a statement, subject to felony penalties for making false\n statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016, that he is the named registered voter\n he claims to be. An applicant who requires assistance in voting by reason of a\n physical disability or an inability to read or write, and who requests\n assistance pursuant to § 24.2-649, may be assisted in preparation of this\n statement in accordance with that section. The provisions of § 24.2-649\n regarding voters who are unable to sign shall be followed when assisting a\n voter in completing this statement. Any applicant who does not show one of the\n forms of identification specified in subsection B of § 24.2-643 or does\n not sign this statement shall be offered a provisional ballot under the\n provisions of § 24.2-653. The State Board of Elections shall provide\n instructions to the general registrar for the handling and counting of such\n provisional ballots pursuant to § 24.2-653.01 and this section.\n \t\t\t\tThis paragraph shall apply in the case of any individual who is required\n by subparagraph (b) of 52 U.S.C. § 21083 of the Help America Vote Act of\n 2002 to show identification the first time he votes in a federal election in\n the state. At such election, such individual shall present (i) a current and\n valid photo identification or (ii) a copy of a current utility bill, bank\n statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows\n the name and address of the voter. Such individual who desires to vote in\n person but does not show one of the forms of identification specified in this\n paragraph shall be offered a provisional ballot under the provisions of §\n 24.2-653. The identification requirements of subsection B of § 24.2-643\n and subsection A of § 24.2-653 shall not apply to such voter at such\n election. The Department of Elections shall provide instructions to the\n electoral boards for the handling and counting of such provisional ballots\n pursuant to § 24.2-653.01 and this section.\n\n 2. Any other application may be made by mail, by electronic or telephonic\n transmission to a facsimile device if one is available to the office of the\n general registrar or to the office of the Department if a device is not\n available locally, or by other means. The application shall be on a form\n furnished by the registrar or as specified in subdivision 3. The application\n shall be made to the appropriate registrar no later than 5:00 p.m. on the\n eleventh day prior to the election in which the applicant offers to vote.\n\n 3. The application of any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452, may be\n on a federal postcard application, as defined in § 24.2-452. The federal\n postcard application may be accepted the later of (i) 12 months before an\n election or (ii) the day following any election held in the twelfth month\n prior to the election in which the applicant is applying to vote.\n\nC. Applications for absentee ballots shall contain the following information:\n\n 1. The applicant’s printed name and the last four digits of the\n applicant’s social security number. However, an applicant completing the\n application in person shall not be required to provide the last four digits of\n his social security number;\n\n 2. A statement that he is registered in the county or city in which he offers\n to vote and his residence address in such county or city. Any person\n temporarily residing outside the United States shall provide the last date of\n residency at his Virginia residence address, if that residence is no longer\n available to him. Any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452, who is not\n a registered voter may file the applications to register and for a ballot\n simultaneously; and\n\n 3. The complete address to which the ballot is to be sent directly to the\n applicant, unless the application is made in person at a time when the printed\n ballots for the election are available and the applicant chooses to vote in\n person at the time of completing his application. The address given shall be\n (i) the address of the applicant on file in the registration records; (ii) the\n address at which he will be located while absent from his county or city; or\n (iii) the address at which he will be located while temporarily confined while\n awaiting trial or for a misdemeanor conviction or due to a disability or\n illness. No ballot shall be sent to, or in care of, any other person.\n\nD. An application shall not be required for any registered voter appearing in\nperson to cast an absentee ballot pursuant to § 24.2-701.1.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 24.1-228; 1970, c. 462, \u00a7 24.1-228.1; 1971, Ex. Sess.,\nc. 119; 1972, cc. 620, 621; 1973, c. 30; 1974, c. 428; 1975, c. 515; 1977, c.\n490; 1978, c. 778; 1980, c. 639; 1981, c. 425; 1982, c. 650; 1983, c. 461; 1988,\nc. 8; 1989, c. 320; 1992, c. 288; 1993, cc. 414, 641; 1996, c. 295; 1998, c.\n254; 2000, cc. 378, 863; 2001, cc. 621, 631, 793; 2002, cc. 785, 819; 2003, c.\n478; 2004, c. 410; 2006, c. 438; 2007, c. 315; 2008, cc. 386, 425, 880; 2009,\ncc. 405, 873; 2010, c. 244; 2011, cc. 427, 458; 2012, cc. 353, 612, 838, 839;\n2013, cc. 535, 620, 725; 2015, cc. 314, 644, 645; 2017, c. 631; 2018, c. 595;\n2019, cc. 668, 669; 2020, cc. 289, 561, 735, 1064, 1065, 1149, 1151, 1201; 2024,\nc. 553.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}