Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer
Virginia voters can register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day, giving eligible residents an opportunity to participate in elections even if they missed the regular registration deadline.
Kelsey Jones, VCU Votes’ faculty advisor, stated in an email same-day registration allows eligible students to update their registration using their VCU address, even after the regular deadline. Students who register on the same day must generally cast a provisional ballot.
Provisional ballots are an alternative to turning voters away, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. They are reviewed by a local electoral board, beginning the day after elections.
Provisional ballots are also issued if a voter’s name is not in the pollbook, the pollbook indicates the person has already voted, or if the General Registrar cannot confirm the voter is registered to vote.
VCU Votes, a student organization focused on voter engagement, works to educate students about registration requirements and voting opportunities.
Jones stated that Virginia’s same-day registration policy took effect beginning with the 2022 general election after the General Assembly passed legislation allowing eligible voters to register through Election Day. She stated the policy gives students another opportunity to participate while balancing school and other responsibilities.
In preparation for the 2026 midterm elections, VCU Votes has expanded its efforts to reach students through classroom visits and social media, according to Conner McNulty, the organization’s policy coordinator.
The group initially visited introductory political science classes before expanding to other departments through recommendations from professors and students. During these visits, board members explain how to register to vote in Virginia, request a mail-in ballot, find polling locations and identify acceptable forms of voter ID. The presentations are aimed at first- and second-year students, many of whom may be voting in a federal election or in Virginia for the first time.
The organization has also partnered with campus groups, including NAACP, Black Minds Matter and Active Minds, to reach students interested in different issues and communities. Through social media, VCU Votes has shared information about polling locations, candidates and common misconceptions about the voting process. In written responses about the organization’s outreach, McNulty explained that its goal is to make sure students have access to reliable election information.
“VCU Votes’ job is to ensure all students have accurate information on polling locations, deadlines, and candidate information, no matter their ideology or background,” McNulty wrote.
VCU Votes is working to address some of the misconceptions that can discourage students from participating in elections.
Deshara Butler, VCU Votes’ internal and external partnership coordinator, said one of the biggest misconceptions she has encountered is the belief that students’ votes do not make a difference. In written responses about her experience with the organization, Butler explained that this mindset can discourage civic engagement beyond college.
Through student-led events, campus partnerships and social media, VCU Votes aims to make election information accessible and the voting process less intimidating. Butler emphasized that students should feel comfortable asking questions and seeking accurate, nonpartisan information.
“Voting shouldn’t be a scary process to navigate,” Butler wrote.