2021 VOTING IN VIRGINIA

This November, Virginia voters will have a chance to elect a new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and State Delegates! Will voters turn out and vote for candidates who care about workers, communities of color, immigrants, women, and young people? Will they vote for candidates who will ensure that the victories we have won – like minimum wage increases, greater health care access, immigrant justice, voting access, and so much more – are protected or will be rolled back?

November 2 will be a crucial election to choose progressive candidates who value the safety, well-being, and prosperity of everyone who lives in Virginia. Learn more about the positions up for election, the candidates running, and make a plan to vote using our checklist below!

Checklist: Are you ready to vote in 2021?

  • Register to vote or check your current registration status
  • Learn who’s on the ballot
  • Plan how and when you will vote
  • Tell your friends & family to vote!

09.17

First day of early voting in-person

10.30

Last day for early voting in-person

11.02

Election Day; last day for mail-in absentee ballots to be postmarked

11.05

Last day for mail-in absentee ballots to be received by your local registrar’s office – by 12pm

register to vote or update your voter registration!

Update your voter registration if you have moved or changed your name.

The deadline to register to vote or update your voter information to vote in the 2021 general election is October 12.

If you don’t have a Virginia driver’s license or state-issued ID, register either:

After submitting your voter registration, you should receive a notification in the mail confirming your registration status. If you do not receive one, contact your local registrar’s office to make sure that your application has been processed or check your voter record online.

Statewide Offices

The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General represent all Virginians.

Governor

The Governor is the chief executive officer of Virginia and is up for election every four years. Once elected, the individual cannot run again in the following election.

Responsibilities include:

  • Signs state bills into law or vetoes them
  • Carries out Virginia’s laws
  • Prepares the state’s budget
  • Appoints cabinet members
learn more about the candidates

Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor is president of the Senate of Virginia and is first in the line of succession to the Governor. This position is up for election every four years.

Responsibilities include:

  • Presides over the Senate
  • Casts the tie-breaking vote in the Senate
  • Takes over if something happens to the Governor
learn more about the candidates

Attorney General

The Attorney General represents the interests of the people of Virginia and the Virginia government in court. This position is up for election every four years.

Responsibilities include:

  • Chief legal advisor to the governor and the General Assembly
  • Chief lawyer of the Commonwealth
  • Head of the Department of Law
  • Defends the constitutionality of state laws
learn more about the candidates

State House of Delegates

A state Delegate represents their House district.

State House of Delegates

The Virginia House of Delegates consists of 100 members. Each Delegate is elected from and represents a separate and distinct district for a term of two years. The House of Delegates and Senate together comprise Virginia’s legislature (the General Assembly). Delegates work alongside the Governor to create state laws and establish a state budget.

Responsibilities include:

  • Meet with constituents, listen to their concerns, and advocate for their best interests
  • Pass bills on public policy matters including education, healthcare, social services, and public safety
  • Review and revise the state budget
  • Vote to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes
find your districtlearn more about the candidates

Meet the Candidates

NAKASEC Action Fund developed a questionnaire based on important issues to the Asian American community and sent this survey to all candidates running for each respective office. We received responses from Democratic candidates, but did not receive any response from the Republican candidates in these races. Responses are published in full with no edits.

Governor

Terry McAuliffe (D) – read questionnaire responses
Glenn Youngkin (R) – no response

Lieutenant Governor

Hala Ayala (D) – read questionnaire responses
Winsome Sears (R) – no response

Attorney General

Mark Herring (D) – read questionnaire responses
Jason Miyares (R) – no response

House District 10 Delegate

Wendy Gooditis (D) – read questionnaire responses
Nick Clemente (R) – no response

House District 40 Delegate

Dan Helmer (D) – read questionnaire responses
Harold Pyon (R) – no response

Due to COVID-19, voters are encouraged to vote by mail to ensure physical distancing, or to vote early to avoid long lines on Election Day. Learn about the different voting options, decide which is best for you, and make sure you are prepared to make your voice heard!

Voting By Mail (Absentee Ballot)

Apply for your absentee ballot online or on paper.

Follow all instructions to fill out your ballot accurately.

  • Make sure you have all the signatures required on the outside of the envelope, including a witness signature.

Return your ballot by mail or in person.

REMINDERS:

  • Any registered voter can vote absentee for any reason.
  • All mail-in ballots are trackable. Track your ballot at nakasecactionfund.org/vote.
  • Request and return your ballot as soon as possible to avoid mail delays!

Early Voting In-Person

Visit your local registrar’s office from September 17 to October 30.

Bring an acceptable form of ID or sign an ID confirmation statement.

  • You are required to show one form of identification but it does not need to be a photo ID. Acceptable IDs include any government document that shows your name and address, or a bank statement, utility bill, or paycheck. Find a complete list of acceptable IDs here.
  • If you don’t have an acceptable ID, you will be allowed to vote if you sign an ID statement affirming your identity.

REMINDER: You do not need to fill out an application or have a reason to vote early in-person.

Voting on Election Day

Visit your polling location on Tuesday, November 2, between 6am and 7pm.

Bring an acceptable form of ID or sign an ID confirmation statement.

  • You will need to show one form of identification but it does not need to be a photo ID. Acceptable IDs include any government document that shows your name and address, or a bank statement, utility bill, or paycheck. Find a complete list of acceptable IDs here.
  • If you don’t have an acceptable ID, you will be allowed to vote if you sign an ID statement affirming your identity.

Have questions or need help voting? Call the following hotlines:

  • Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Urdu, Hindi, and Bengali: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
  • English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
  • Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
  • Arabic: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)

Get Involved

Interested in promoting civic engagement in your community? Email Sami at swatson@nakasec.org!