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The Virginia Department of Elections wants Virginia voters to know that they are free to be absentee. The department recently announced “Free to Be Absentee,” their new awareness campaign designed to educate voters about absentee and early voting to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

The campaign features a series of contemporary and entertaining digital ads and social media content that highlight a creative focus on the absentee and early voting processes.

“We are excited about our new campaign and committed to ensuring that all eligible Virginia voters are able to make their voices heard,” Christopher Piper, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Elections, said. “We want voters to know about all of the options they have to cast their ballots for the upcoming election.”

While absentee voting is not new to Virginians, after new legislation passed by the General Assembly that went into effect July 1, Virginia voters no longer need an excuse to vote absentee. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot or go vote early in person. Absentee ballots will begin being mailed out on Sept. 18, the same day early voting begins in all localities throughout the commonwealth.

Voters with questions about absentee, mail-in and in-person voting or any aspect of the Tuesday, Nov. 3, election may call the Virginia Department of Elections at (800) 552-9745, email the department at info@elections.virginia.gov, or visit our website at elections.virginia.gov/absentee.