Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Culpeper Absentee Voting

Answers to questions our phone bankers have encountered about the absentee voting process in Culpeper County.

What’s the difference between early voting and absentee voting?
Virginia has excuse-based early voting, which is referred to as absentee voting. You can vote absentee either in person or via the mail if you satisfy one of the official excuses for being unable to vote on November 6th. These excuses should cover virtually all possible reasons for being unable to vote on November 6th. 
How do I vote early in person (In person absentee)?
If you can’t vote on November 6th, just bring your Photo ID to the Culpeper Election Office, 151 N Main Street, Third Floor. You’ll fill out a form and vote right there. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:30-4:30, as well as Saturday October 27th and November 3rd. November 3rd is the last day of in person absentee voting.
How do I request an absentee ballot in the mail?
You can request a ballot at the Virginia Department of Elections online portal. You have until October 30th to request a ballot, and it must be received by 7pm, November 6th. The ballot requires two stamps to mail back.
What are the official excuses to vote absentee?
You can vote early (absentee in person or by mail) for one of the following reasons:
Code Reason Supporting Information Required
1A Student attending college or university outside of locality of residence in Virginia Name of college or university
1B Spouse of student attending college or university outside locality of residence in Virginia Name of college or university
1C Business outside County/City of residence on Election Day Name of employer or business
1D Personal business or vacation outside County/City of residence on Election Day Place of travel (VA county/city or state or country)
1E I am working and commuting to/from home for 11 or more hours between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Election Day Name of  employer or business and Election Day hours of working and commuting (AM to PM)
1F I am a first responder (member of law enforcement, fire fighter, emergency technician, search and rescue) Not required
2A My disability or illness Not required
2B I am primarily and personally responsible for the care of a disabled/ill family member confined at home Family Relationship
2C My pregnancy Not required
3A Confined, awaiting trial Name of institution
3B Confined, convicted of a misdemeanor Name of institution
4A An electoral board member, registrar, officer of election, or custodian of voting equipment Not required
5A I have a religious obligation Not required
6A Active Duty Merchant Marine or Armed Forces Branch of service
6B Spouse or dependent living with a member of 6A Branch of service
6C Temporarily residing outside of US Enter your last date of residency at your Virginia voting residence only if you have given up that address permanently or have no intent to return
6D Temporarily residing outside of US for employment or spouse or dependent residing with employee Name of business or employer
7A Requesting a ballot for presidential and vice-presidential electors only 
(Ballots for other offices/issues will not be sent)
New state of residence and date moved from Virginia. Only eligible if you moved less than 30 days before the presidential election.
8A Authorized representative of candidate or party serving inside the polling place Not required
9A Granted a protective order issued by or under the authority of a court of competent jurisdiction. Name of the county or city in Virginia or the state of the issuing court.
Does the Culpeper election office have an elevator?
Answer: Yes
What is their phone number?
Answer: (540) 825-0652
I moved.  Is it too late to notify the elections office of a change of address?
Answer: Yes. The deadline was Monday October 15.  But if your move occurred since the last November election, you may return to and vote at your previous polling location.
What ID do I need to vote?
Answer: Government-issued Photo ID, Virginia student ID, employer-issued ID.  If you don’t have one, you can still vote if you go to the registration office — even on Election Day — and apply.  They will give you a free Voter ID card.  If you forget your photo ID, you can cast a provisional ballot at your polling place.
I am disabled.  Do I still have time to vote absentee by mail?
Answer: Yes., but please hurry.  You may request an absentee mail-in ballot through October 30It must be received by 7pm, November 6th. Being postmarked by that day does not count. First class delivery through USPS requires 2-5 days. The absentee ballot requires two stamps.
If I am a convicted felon (long-ago marijuana charge) can I get my voting rights restored? 
Answer: Yes, but it can take several weeks: or call The Secretary of the Commonwealth at (804) 692-0104 (local offices for Charlottesville/Piedmont or Loudon/Fairfax)
More information on our restoration of rights page.