Statewide general elections are held each year on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November for the purpose of electing federal or state executive and legislative representatives. Local elected representatives may also appear on the November general election ballot. The election schedule for federal and state offices is as follows:

Most counties and cities also elect Constitutional officers -- offices prescribed by the Constitution of Virginia, unless the county or city's charter provides otherwise -- in November general elections. These offices are Sheriff, Attorney for the Commonwealth, Treasurer, Commissioner of Revenue, and Clerk of the Circuit Court. These offices are usually elected in odd-numbered years and serve for four-year terms, except for Clerk of the Circuit Court, which serves an eight-year term.

In most counties, the members of the Board of Supervisors and School Board and certain other local offices are also elected in November. These offices are typically elected to four-year terms. The frequency of the elections may vary by community. Some cities and towns elect their local offices at November general elections; terms and frequency may vary.

May General Elections

Some cities and towns elect their Mayors, City Council members, School Board members, and other offices at May general elections, held on the second Tuesday in May. Term limits and frequency of elections vary from community to community.

Primary Elections

The Democratic and Republican Parties may choose to select their nominees for offices in November general elections through primary elections. Primaries, if held, are always on the second Tuesday in June. Primaries for May General Elections, if held, are always on the second Tuesday in March.

Special Elections

Special elections are held when a vacancy occurs in any elected office or when a referendum election is called. Depending upon the timing of the vacancy or the call for the referendum, a special election may take place on the same day as a general election. Special elections are always held on Tuesdays.

Since specific elected offices, terms of office, and frequency of elections vary, please contact your local election office for specific election information in your community.

The polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. each Election Day. If you are waiting in line when the polls close, you will be allowed to vote.

Look up your polling place using the Virginia State Board of Elections Polling Place Lookup feature.