More than 568,000 Virginians had already cast early ballots with 21 days until Election Day on Nov. 3 — a pace that outstrips the comparable point in the 2022 midterms by a wide margin. At the same stage four years ago, just over 307,000 voters statewide had cast early ballots, according to Virginia Public Access Project data.
That works out to roughly 85 percent more early votes than four years ago, as 13News Now reported. The numbers track both early in-person votes and returned mail ballots, according to VPAP's early-voting visual, which draws its figures from the Virginia Department of Elections' early voting file.
A Surge Statewide, But Questions Remain
The jump in ballots cast is striking on its face, but what it actually signals for Nov. 3 is murkier. Dr. Benjamin Melusky, an associate professor of political science at Old Dominion University, cautioned per 13News Now that higher early voting numbers do not necessarily mean higher overall turnout or reveal which party benefits.
Melusky pointed to a mix of possible drivers behind the rush to vote, telling 13News Now that potential motivating factors include national issues, economic conditions and the war in Iran. He added that there may be greater enthusiasm and interest in the election, but the destination of the votes is unknown.
Hot Races Driving Ballots to the Polls
Some of the state's most closely watched congressional contests are seeing hefty early turnout. In the 1st Congressional District, Republican incumbent Rob Wittman is being challenged by Democratic Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Taylor, a race that has drawn at least 74,221 early voters, including more than 21,000 mail ballots, according to the article's reporting.
Down in Hampton Roads, the race between Republican incumbent Jen Kiggans and Democratic challenger Elaine Luria has seen 54,203 voters participate early, with more than 20,000 of those arriving by mail. In an early snapshot on Sept. 23, WAVY reported more than 7,500 early votes in each of Virginia's 5th and 11th congressional districts and just under 9,500 in the 1st District.
Deadlines, Weekend Hours and What's on the Ballot
Voters still have time to get in line. In-person early voting continues through Oct. 31, with the general election set for Nov. 3, 2026. Weekend early-voting hours are available on Sunday, Oct. 18; Saturday, Oct. 24; Sunday, Oct. 25; and Saturday, Oct. 31, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. Curbside voting remains available for people with disabilities and voters over 65 who wish to cast ballots in person, the agency notes.
Beyond the candidate races, Virginia voters will also decide on three proposed constitutional amendments this cycle, addressing reproductive rights, voting rights and marriage equality. VPAP's data does caution that congressional-district and locality totals may not add up exactly to statewide figures, since some records are missing district or locality information.
