Be Prepared for Election Day 2020

Published on November 02, 2020

Election Day 2020 has arrived. More than 105,000 Arlingtonians have already cast their ballot by mail and in person—representing a 63% turnout so far. But if you still need to vote, here's what to know before arriving at the polls on Nov. 3.

Where (and When) to Vote

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents must be in line at their polling place by closing to be eligible to cast a ballot.

Not sure where to vote?  Find your polling place on the Virginia Department of Elections website.

Requested a vote-by-mail ballot but want to vote in person? Bring it with you. You can exchange it for an in-person ballot or just drop it off at your polling place. If you do not have it, you will fill out a provisional ballot at your polling place on Election Day.

RELATED: Vote-by-mail ballot drop boxes are available until 7 p.m. Election Day

How to Stay Safe

The Arlington Office of Elections is taking many steps to keep voters safe:

• All voters are encouraged to wear a face covering. Anyone who does not have a mask—or forgets it at home—will be offered a mask to wear.


• Polling places can accommodate social distancing. The number of people allowed in the voting room will be limited and voting booths will be spaced to keep voters 6 feet apart when possible. The line of waiting voters will remain outside as long as possible so voters can keep a 6-foot distance.


• Polling places are sanitized regularly. Workers have the necessary equipment, such as disinfectant, gloves, masks, and shields. Voters are provided single-use pens and privacy folders. Voters are also encouraged to bring their own blue or black ball point pen if they prefer.


• Poll workers are being screened. Election Officers will have a temperature check and screening for COVID-19. They are not to report to work if they have any symptoms or a known exposure. Visitors, such as poll watchers and the media, will also be screened before entering a polling place.

RELATED: Review disability services available at the polls

In addition, the County is monitoring election-related activities to ensure that voters can get to the polls and exercise their right to vote in a safe and uninhibited manner. Arlington County Police Department will have increased patrols in the community, with polling place awareness, but will not have officers stationed at polling places.

What's on the Ballot

The Nov. 3 election will feature races at both the federal and local levels, as well as two statewide Constitutional Amendments and five local bond questions.

MORE: Review the ballot

For president and vice president, candidates from the Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian parties will appear on the ballot in Virginia. In the statewide U.S. Senate race incumbent Mark Warner (D) faces Republican Daniel Gade, while Arlington's U.S. House of Representatives seat in the 8th District of Virginia features incumbent Don Beyer (D) and challenger Jeff Jordan (R).

On the County Board, incumbent Democrat Libby Garvey faces challenger Audrey R. Clement, an Independent. David Priddy, Cristina Diaz-Torres, and Symone Walker are vying for two seats on the School Board.

Proposed Virginia Constitutional amendments ask about the establishment of a redistricting commission and the vehicle tax status of disabled veterans. Learn more about the Constitutional Amendments.  

Voters also will be asked five bond questions that address Metro and transportation, parks and recreation, community infrastructure, stormwater, and Arlington Public Schools. Learn more about the bond referenda.

What to Bring

While photo IDs are no longer required in Virginia, all voters must show an acceptable form of ID at the polls. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Voter confirmation documents you received after you registered to vote


• Virginia DMV-issued Driver's License or ID Card


• Valid United States Passport


• Any ID card issued by the federal, Virginia, or a local Virginia government


• Any student ID card issued by a U.S. university or college


• Valid student ID issued by a public school or private school in Virginia


• Employer-issued photo ID card


• Any current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document with your name and address


• An ID Confirmation Statement (provided at polling place)

MORE: Review the ID requirements 

Voters who forget to bring their IDs but are otherwise qualified to vote can fill out a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots will not be counted unless a voter provides the Electoral Board with a copy of a valid ID no later than noon on the Friday after the election.

And don't forget to bring a face covering—and a black or blue ink pen—to the polls!

How to Get Help

If you have questions about Election Day, contact Arlington Office of Elections at 703-228-3456, email voters@arlingtonva.us, or stop by the Bozman Government Center (2100 Clarendon Blvd. Suite 320).

You can also go to vote.arlingtonva.gov for additional resources.

Have questions while at the polling place? Ask a poll worker! They are there to help. Also, you can ask for a new ballot if you make a mistake while casting your votes.