Preparing for Early Voting in Virginia

What campaigns should have ready before the first ballot is cast

Early voting plays a huge role in Virginia elections. Many campaigns underestimate just how much of the vote happens before Election Day.

This guide helps candidates and managers prepare properly.

1. Treat early voting like Election Day

One of the most common mistakes campaigns make is treating early voting as a preview instead of the main event. In Virginia, early voting is not a warm up. For many voters, it is Election Day.

That means your campaign should look fully formed when early voting starts. Messaging, materials, volunteers, and visibility should already be in place. Waiting to “ramp up later” often means missing a large portion of your electorate.

2. Have printed materials ready well in advance

Printed materials support every part of early voting outreach. Palm cards for volunteers, signage for visibility, and literature for voters need to be ready before the first weekend of early voting.

Campaigns in Northern Virginia often require large quantities early because turnout begins quickly. Hampton Roads campaigns rely heavily on signs and event presence. Richmond campaigns often combine early voting with active canvassing.

Printing too late is one of the fastest ways to lose early momentum.

3. Align your messaging with early voting voters

Early voters tend to be motivated and engaged. They want reassurance that your campaign is prepared, serious, and ready to govern.

Make sure your message emphasizes:

• readiness• stability

• clarity

• trust

• local commitment

This is not the moment for experimental messaging. Use your core message and repeat it consistently across materials and conversations.

4. Plan volunteer coverage ahead of time

Early voting requires people power. Plan volunteer shifts around early voting locations, canvassing routes, and community events.

Good planning includes:

• scheduling volunteers in advance

• providing palm cards and walk literature

• assigning clear roles

• preparing talking points

• communicating schedules clearly

Campaigns that wait to recruit volunteers during early voting often struggle to keep up.

5. Prepare for region specific dynamics

Early voting looks different depending on where you are running.

Northern Virginia has high volume early voting locations and long lines. Visibility and materials matter immediately.

Hampton Roads has a mix of early voting sites and community based turnout, where signs and events play a larger role.

Richmond and Central Virginia often combine strong early voting turnout with heavy canvassing.

Understanding your region helps you deploy resources effectively.

6. Avoid common early voting mistakes

Across Virginia, campaigns often stumble by:

• waiting too long to print materials

• running out of palm cards during early voting

• failing to staff early voting locations

• changing messages mid cycle

• underestimating early turnout

• treating Election Day as the only goal

Early voting sets the tone for the entire race.

Closing Thought

Campaigns that prepare for early voting gain momentum, confidence, and visibility. When your materials are ready, your volunteers are prepared, and your message is clear, early voting becomes a strength instead of a scramble.

Plan early. Stay consistent. Treat early voting like it matters, because in Virginia, it does.