Voting in Norfolk: Early, Easy, & Election Day

by Paul Stetson Rice | Nov 1, 2022

There are many ways to have your say in how your government operates: public forums, surveys, contacting your representative directly, and working with your neighbors. Most importantly, you can vote. You get to help decide who will represent you in government. In case you missed the barrage of mailers, commercials, and yard signs, Election Day is upon us. Here’s how to cast your ballot in Norfolk.

Election Day

November 8th is the official Election Day in Virginia. That’s the day you can vote at a polling place in your neighborhood. You get to mix and mingle with the crowds, see all the campaign workers outside, and visit some cool spots in your community. It’s a classic move for doing your civic duty.

Check out the VA Dept of Elections voter info portal to find your Election Day polling place. Pro-Tip: You can also use this portal to update your address or request an absentee ballot. Polling places are open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm on Election Day.

Early Voting

New in Virginia this year is early voting. While you might think early voters get the worm, they do not. There are no worms provided. However, there are several sites around the city where you can cast your vote before Election Day. Whether you have to work on Election Day, you’re planning to travel, or you want to knock it out early, this is a great choice. No excuses are required. The last day to vote early is Saturday, November 5th.

The Norfolk Office of Elections will be open for early voting Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at City Hall, 810 Union Street, Suite 100.

In addition to the Norfolk Office of Elections, there are four satellite offices around Norfolk where you can vote early.

Berkley Recreation Center – 121 W. Liberty Street
Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch Library – 1425 Norchester Avenue
Lambert’s Point Community Center – 1251 W. 42nd Street
Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library – 111 W. Ocean View Avenue

The remaining dates and times for early voting at satellite locations are:

Tuesday, November 1st – 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Wednesday, November 2nd – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Thursday, November 3rd – 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Same-Day Voter Registration

First-time voters, there’s some big news for you. 2022 will be the first year that Virginia will allow same-day voter registration. If you show up to your polling place on election day, you can register on-site and immediately cast a ballot. While casting a provisional ballot, your vote will count as long as your voter registration checks out.

What’s on the Ballot?

This year, Norfolk residents can cast ballots in three races: The United States House of Representatives, City Council, and School Board.

Due to redistricting last year, all of Norfolk is now in the third Congressional district. In this race, you can choose between Robert “Bobby” Scott (Democrat) and Terry Namkung (Republican).

As for City Council and School Board, the candidates on your ballot will depend on which ward you reside in. Check out the complete list of candidates here.

Helping Democracy Function

Every year the City of Norfolk needs more workers to help run the polling places. It’s a fun yet profound way to perform your civic duty. If you’re interested, you can sign up here.

Got more questions on voting in Norfolk? Check out the City of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Virginia sites.

Paul Stetson Rice

Chelsea, NFK

Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery.