VOTER REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS

Office of the General Registrar
801 Crawford Street, First Floor
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Phone (757) 393-8644
FAX (757) 393-5415
Hours: 8 A.M. - 5 P.M., Mon. - Fri.
registrar@portsmouthva.gov

NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT

The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 was implemented by the Commonwealth of Virginia on March 6, 1996. The intent of the Act is to increase the number of citizens registered to vote. The Act is designed to provide voter registration at DMV Offices, Public Assistance Agencies or by Mail. Necessary registration changes such as change of address may also be completed at these sites.

A citizen may apply to register to vote by mail by completing and returning a mail voter registration application form in the manner and time provided by law. There is a requirement that any person who registers to vote by mail, shall be required to vote in person. However, this requirement to vote in person does not apply to a person who is entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, other federal law, or is a full-time student in an institution of higher learning.