Absentee, in-person voting for the April 21, 2026, Special Election will be held from March 6, 2026, through April 18, 2026, at the Bedford County Parks & Recreation office located at 1257 County Farm Rd., Bedford.

Hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be early voting on Saturday, April 11, and Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You do not have to have a reason or fill out an application to vote early in person. 

Voters will provide their name and address, and show an acceptable form of ID. If acceptable ID is not provided, you will be asked to sign an ID Confirmation Statement or you will be offered a provisional ballot which will be reviewed for counting after Election Day.

Once checked-in, you will be given your ballot, mark your ballot, and cast your ballot on the voting equipment just as you would do at your regular polling place on Election Day.

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot By Mail

The last day to request an absentee ballot by mail for the April 21, 2026, Special Election is April 10, 2026.

You do not have to have a reason for requesting an absentee ballot by mail. 

How to Request an Absentee Ballot By Mail

Follow these steps:

1. You must submit a Virginia Vote by Mail Application Form. The application can be submitted in person, by mail (address below), fax, e-mail, or online at the Department of Election’s Citizen Portal. 
2. After your application is processed, you will receive your ballot by mail.
3. Ballots may be returned by mail to the Registrar's Office (1239 Turning Point Rd., Bedford, VA 24523) or dropped off in person at a ballot box located inside one of the following locations:
   • Registrar’s Office (1239 Turning Point Rd., Bedford).
   • Early Voting Satellite located at Parks & Rec office (1257 County Farm Rd., Bedford). Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
   • All regular polling places on Election Day. Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Ballot Drop Box Hours of Operation 

During early voting, drop boxes are available March 6 through April 17, Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays on April 11 and April 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on Election Day or postmarked on or before Election Day and received by noon on the third day after the election.