Your guide to Virginia’s 2025 general election

Get all the essential information about the upcoming general election in Virginia, including key dates, how to vote, what’s on your ballot, and where to watch the gubernatorial debate.

A hand holding two voting stickers; One oval sticker, smaller, says "I Voted" with an American flag; The other, larger + circular, depicts an oppossum writing on a ballot with the text, "RVA Votes;" The background depicts a blurred outdoor setting.

Get your election questions answered at the Customer Service Counter at City Hall.

Photo by RICtoday

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Early voting is already underway, and there is plenty more to keep in mind down the line. Here’s how to cast your vote + what’s on the ballot:

Important dates

  • Thursday, Oct. 9 | Virginia’s gubernatorial debate
  • Friday, Oct. 24 | Deadline to register to vote or update registration
  • Friday, Oct. 24 | Deadline to ask for a ballot to be mailed to you
  • Saturday, Nov. 1 | Last day of in-person early voting
  • Tuesday, Nov. 4 | Election Day

Keep in mind: You can actually register all the way up through Election Day, but you’ll have to vote using a provisional ballot if you miss the deadline.

Virginia’s gubernatorial debate

The candidates for governor, Abigail Spanberger (D) and Winsome Earle-Sears (R), will debate each other on Thursday, Oct. 9, at Norfolk State University. See where you can tune in.

How to vote

Get registered + find your polling location
Virginians can register to vote on the Citizen Portal of the Virginia Department of Elections website. You’ll need a valid Virginia driver’s license or a state ID card to register.

Pro tip: If you are 17 and will be 18 before the general election, you can register and vote in primary elections.

Not sure if you’re registered? Check your status on the Citizen Portal. Once you input your information, it’ll tell you your status, precinct, and district information.

To find your polling location and see what your location-specific ballot will look like, check out this resource and enter your registered address.

A standing sign on concrete reading "Vote," "RVA," "Office of Elections," and "Vote Here."

Find the nearest polling locations near you, and vote early to beat Election Day lines.

Photo by RICtoday

Early voting
Find some free time, and avoid the long lines. Early in-person voting for Virginia’s Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General will continue through Saturday, Nov. 1. Find your early voting polling location.

Mail-in voting
If you can’t make it in person, you can now request your mail-in ballot. The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot is Friday, Oct. 24. All mail-in ballots must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, Nov. 4, and received by Friday, Nov. 7.

What’s on the ballot?

  • Governor
    • Abigail Spanberger (Democratic)
    • Winsome Earle-Sears (Republican)
  • Lieutenant Governor
    • Ghazala Hashmi (Democratic)
    • John Reid (Republican)
  • Attorney General
    • Jay Jones (Democratic)
    • Jason Miyares (Republican)
  • Virginia House of Delegates + local offices
More from RICtoday
As gas prices spike, which Richmond businesses offer deals when it comes time to treat yourself?
Grab your tickets ahead of time for these upcoming summer concerts bringing big names to the River City.
We took the advice of a local content creator and ventured to find Japanese fruit sandos in Richmond.
Throughout the month, Richmond Police will forgo citations and instead issue violation warnings to drivers illegally parked in bike lanes.
Cracking the code to urban farming.
Bookmark this page to your favorites tab so you can quickly return and find the top events happening each month in Richmond.
Directly north, east, south, and west, cities across the world await.
See where Richmonders are cultivating friendships and fresh produce.
Attend the Richmond premiere of “Saved by the Beauty of the World” at the 32nd James River Film Festival.
What kind of volunteer are you? Find out, and see what upcoming local opportunity suits your style.