Elections in
Virginia's 2026 midterm elections will feature a full slate of federal races, with voters deciding representation in the U.S. Senate and all 11 U.S. House districts. The Commonwealth will hold its federal primary elections on August 4, 2026, with both Democratic and Republican primaries determining nominees for the general election later in the fall.
With 16 races covered this cycle at the federal level, Virginia voters will play a significant role in shaping the balance of power in Congress. The state's diverse political geography—from the urban Democratic strongholds of Northern Virginia and Richmond to Republican-leaning rural areas and competitive suburban districts—makes several congressional races potential bellwethers for national trends. Virginia's U.S. Senate seat will be among the most closely watched contests, as it could influence partisan control of the upper chamber.
Virginia offers multiple ways to cast your ballot. Registered voters can vote early in-person starting 45 days before any election at their local general registrar's office or designated satellite voting locations, with no excuse required. Mail-in absentee voting is available to all registered voters—you can request a ballot online through the Virginia Department of Elections citizen portal or by submitting a paper application to your local registrar.
To register to vote in Virginia, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Virginia, and at least 18 years old by the next general election. You can register online, by mail, or in person at your local registrar's office, DMV, or other designated agencies. Virginia requires voters to show an acceptable form of identification at the polls, which includes a valid photo ID (such as a Virginia driver's license, U.S. passport, employee ID, or student ID) or a voter confirmation document. If you don't have ID, you can sign a statement affirming your identity and cast a provisional ballot.
Get updates when new races launch and results come in.