Absentee, in-person voting for the November 3, 2026, General and Special Election will be held from September 18 through October 31 at the new Bedford County Vote Center located at 1251Turning Point Rd., Bedford. Hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will also be early voting on:

• Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, October 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, October 18, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, October 25, from 12 p.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.

Ballot drop boxes will be available at the in-person, Early Vote Center at 1251 Turning Point Rd., Bedford, and the Registrar’s Office located at 1239 Turning Point Rd., Bedford, the same dates and times as early, in-person voting.

In addition, a drop box will be available at the Registrar’s office the following dates and times:

• Monday, November 2, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 3 (Election Day), from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Drop boxes will also be available at all regular polling places on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, from 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot By Mail

The last day to request an absentee ballot by mail for the November 3, 2026, General and Special Election is October 23, 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. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
   • Vote Center: 1251 Turning Point 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 September 18 through October 31, Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays on October 24 and October 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays on October 18 and October 25 from 12-5 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.