Virginia Reschedules 2026 Primary to August 4

Virginia election officials have rescheduled the 2026 primary election for all state and federal offices from June 16 to August 4, extending the timeline for candidate filings and voter preparations by nearly two months. The change, announced Tuesday by the Virginia Department of Elections, stems from House Bill 29, an appropriations measure signed into law last week by Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

The adjustment affects only the 2026 primary and does not alter other election schedules. According to the Department of Elections, the shift provides additional time for administrative processes tied to the state's budget amendments, which extend through the end of fiscal 2026 in July. No primary will occur on the original June 16 date.

Key deadlines have also moved. Voter registration and applications for absentee ballots are now due by 5 p.m. on July 24. Early in-person voting begins June 19 and runs through 5 p.m. on August 1, though some general registrar offices closed for Juneteenth on June 19 will start a day earlier, on June 18. Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by August 4 and received by noon on August 7. Same-day registration opens July 25.