Early Voting Starts June 18 for August Primary Elections
TL;DR: Early voting for Chesterfield County's August 4 primary elections begins June 18 with weekend voting options on two Saturdays and two Sundays.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County voters
- What: Early voting for August 4 primary elections (Republican U.S. Senate primary, Democratic 1st Congressional District primary, special Democratic primary for Dale District Board of Supervisors seat)
- When: June 18 to August 1, 2026
- Where: Central Library, 7051 Lucy Corr Blvd, Chesterfield County
The story
Chesterfield County voters will have expanded access to the ballot starting June 18, with early voting continuing through August 1 for the August 4 primary elections. Early voting takes place exclusively at Central Library (7051 Lucy Corr Blvd) with weekday hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 18-July 31. To accommodate working voters and those with scheduling conflicts, the county is offering weekend voting on two Saturdays (July 25 and August 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and two Sundays (July 19 and 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Three contests appear on the ballot in Chesterfield County. Voters will participate in the Republican U.S. Senate primary and a contested Democratic primary for Virginia's 1st Congressional District House seat. The Democratic primary features a crowded field of candidates competing for a chance to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, who has represented the district since 2007. Among the Democratic hopefuls is Shannon Taylor, the former Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney who recently ran for statewide attorney general and is considered a frontrunner in the race.
A third contest unique to Chesterfield is a special Democratic primary for the Dale District Board of Supervisors seat. Dr. LeQuan M. Hylton currently serves as interim supervisor following the October 2025 death of five-term supervisor James M. "Jim" Holland. The Board of Supervisors appointed Hylton to the interim post in November 2025 at Holland's request. The special primary will determine the Democratic nominee, with a general election scheduled for November 2026 to select Holland's permanent successor.
To participate, voters must register or update their registration by July 24, 2026. The same deadline applies for requesting absentee ballots by mail. Polls on Election Day, Tuesday, August 4, will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can locate their assigned polling place using the county's Political District Map Viewer or by checking their voter registration card.
Key players
- Chesterfield County General Registrar: Administers elections and voter registration
- Dr. LeQuan M. Hylton: Interim Dale District Supervisor seeking election to the seat
- U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman: Republican incumbent in 1st Congressional District race
- Shannon Taylor: Democratic candidate for 1st Congressional District House seat
Key dates
- 2026-06-18: Early voting begins for August 4 primary elections
- 2026-07-19: Weekend early voting (Sunday)
- 2026-07-24: Deadline to register to vote or request absentee ballot
- 2026-07-25: Weekend early voting (Saturday)
- 2026-07-26: Weekend early voting (Sunday)
- 2026-08-01: Final day of early voting (Saturday)
- 2026-08-04: Primary Election Day, polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The case for
Extended weekend voting hours reduce barriers to participation by accommodating voters with work and family commitments who cannot visit during standard weekday office hours. Concentrating early voting at a single location with generous hours ensures poll workers and election materials are efficiently deployed while the Saturday/Sunday schedule particularly serves shift workers and those managing childcare or other responsibilities.
The case against
Operating early voting only at Central Library means voters outside the library's service area must travel further than they might to a precinct polling place. Single-site early voting also creates a potential bottleneck if demand is high, and some voters may prefer neighborhood locations closer to home or along their regular travel routes.
Why it matters: Three high-stakes races will shape Chesterfield County and state politics. The outcome of the 1st Congressional District primary could affect who challenges a longtime Republican incumbent in a district that includes portions of seven counties. Locally, the Dale District race will determine supervision and budget priorities for one of the county's nine supervisory districts and sets the course for the remainder of Holland's term.
Places
Development timeline
- 2025-10-14Supervisor James M. Holland dies: Five-term Dale District supervisor passes after more than 17 years of service. [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6772)
- 2025-11-12Dr. Hylton appointed interim supervisor: Board of Supervisors votes to appoint Dr. LeQuan M. Hylton as interim Dale District supervisor. [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6772)
- 2026-06-18Early voting begins: Early voting for August 4 primary elections begins, including extended weekend hours. [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=7335)
- 2026-08-04Primary elections held: Voters in Chesterfield County participate in Republican U.S. Senate primary, Democratic 1st Congressional District primary, and special Democratic primary for Dale District Board of Supervisors. [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=7335)
Related links
- Chesterfield County General Registrar (Voting and Voter Registration)
- Chesterfield County Early Voting Announcement
- Dale District Supervisor Information
- Virginia Department of Elections
Read the original at Chesterfield County News →
Sources
- Chesterfield County Early Voting Announcement
- Chesterfield County General Registrar (Voting and Voter Registration)
- Dr. LeQuan M. Hylton Appointed Interim Dale District Supervisor
- Wittman seeks to keep 1st District seat, as Democratic challengers face crowded primary
- Virginia Department of Elections - 2026 August Called Primary Elections