Hayes, Virginia Public Records

Registration can be completed online through the Virginia Department of Elections citizen portal at vote.virginia.gov. The online system requires a Virginia driver's license or DMV-issued ID number along with a Social Security number. Virginia's registration deadline falls 22 days before any election. New residents may also register in person at the Gloucester County Registrar's office, by mail using the state form, or at designated state agencies. Registrants must be U.S. Citizens, Virginia and Gloucester County residents, and at least 18 years old by the next general election. Acceptable identification for in-person registration includes Virginia DMV documents, valid photo IDs, utility bills, bank statements, government checks, or other documents showing name and address. As an unincorporated community, Hayes holds no municipal elections for mayor or town council. Instead, residents participate in Gloucester County Board of Supervisors elections, with the community located in the Petsworth District. The five-member Board is elected by district for four-year staggered terms. Local voters also participate in elections for Virginia state offices including Governor (four-year term, next election in 2025), Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Virginia House of Delegates (100 districts, two-year terms), Virginia Senate (40 districts, four-year terms), U.S. House of Representatives (Virginia has 11 congressional districts, with Hayes in the 1st Congressional District), and U.S. Senate (Virginia has two senators with six-year staggered terms). Residents locate their assigned polling place using the Virginia Department of Elections lookup tool at vote.virginia.gov. After entering a residential address, the system displays precinct assignment, polling location address, and a map. Area polling locations have historically included Gloucester High School at 6680 Short Lane and other sites depending on precinct boundaries. Polls open at 6:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM on Election Day. Anyone in line at 7:00 PM is permitted to vote. Public election records in Virginia include voter registration lists (available to candidates, political parties, and the public with restrictions under Virginia Code § 24.2-444), campaign finance disclosure reports filed by candidates and political action committees (searchable at the Virginia Public Access Project website vpap.org and the State Board of Elections), candidate filings and statements showing who is running for office, and precinct-level election results. The county elections office provides unofficial results on election night, with certified results posted after canvassing. Historical results for the county are available through the Virginia Department of Elections at elections.virginia.gov. The November 2024 general election saw Gloucester County voter turnout reach approximately 68-72% of registered voters for the presidential race, reflecting strong civic engagement consistent with Virginia's competitive status in recent elections. The county has trended Republican in recent presidential and statewide contests, though races remain competitive. The November 3, 2026 mid-term election will bring important races to Hayes and county voters. The ballot will include one U.S. Senate seat (Virginia's senators are Tim Kaine with a term expiring 2025 and Mark Warner with term expiring 2027, so the 2026 election will feature whichever seat comes up that cycle), all Virginia House of Delegates seats (100 seats, two-year terms), and potentially special elections or ballot measures. County Constitutional Officers such as Sheriff, Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer, Commonwealth's Attorney, and Clerk of Circuit Court are elected to four-year terms, with the next regular cycle in 2027, though vacancies could create special elections in 2026. Voters should check with the Gloucester County Registrar in early 2026 for confirmed candidate lists and ballot information. Virginia offers multiple absentee voting options. No-excuse absentee voting is available to all registered voters. Residents can request absentee ballots online through the Virginia Department of Elections citizen portal at vote.virginia.gov, by submitting a paper application to the Gloucester County Registrar (downloadable from the elections website), or by applying in person at 6489 Main Street, Suite 8, Gloucester. The deadline to request a mailed absentee ballot is 11 days before Election Day (5:00 PM). Absentee ballots can be returned by mail (must be postmarked by Election Day and received by noon the third day after the election), delivered in person to the Registrar's office by 7:00 PM on Election Day, or placed in a secure drop box if available. Early in-person absentee voting is available at the Gloucester Registrar's office beginning 45 days before any election, Monday through Friday during business hours and Saturdays closer to Election Day, ending the Saturday before Election Day. No excuse is required for any absentee voting method in Virginia.