Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
4h ago

Virginia Pushes 2026 Primary to Aug. 4, Sets New Voting Deadlines

The one-year shift gives voters and candidates extra time before a possible April redistricting vote.

HILLSBORO, VIRGINIA - NOVEMBER 04: Voters fill out their ballots at a polling station in the Hillsboro Old Stone School on November 04, 2025 in Hillsboro, Virginia. Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger faces off against Republican candidate Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s off-year election for governor and other statewide offices on November 4, a race that will lead to the first female governor in the commonwealth’s history. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Overview

  • State lawmakers approved and the governor signed the date change into law, and election officials say the primary will proceed on Aug. 4 regardless of the referendum’s outcome.
  • The change applies only to the 2026 cycle, and there will be no primary on the previously scheduled June 16 date.
  • Early in-person voting runs from June 19 through 5 p.m. on Aug. 1, with local offices opening on June 18 where necessary due to the Juneteenth holiday.
  • The voter registration deadline is July 24, with same-day registration available afterward using a provisional ballot.
  • Mailed absentee ballot applications are due by 5 p.m. on July 24, ballots can be returned via drop box or at polling places on Aug. 4, and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Aug. 4 and received by noon on Aug. 7.