Mathews, Virginia Public Records

Agriculture, particularly the cultivation of crops and livestock, is another important pillar of Mathews' economy, reflecting the region's rich farmland and rural character. These key industries, combined with a growing number of small businesses and service providers, create a well-rounded and resilient economic foundation for this charming Chesapeake Bay town.

For matters related to crime, arrests, and other law enforcement activities in Mathews, residents can turn to the Mathews Police Department and the Mathews County Sheriff's Office. The Mathews Police Department, headquartered at 12 Church Street, is the primary agency responsible for maintaining public safety and order within the city limits. The department's records unit can provide access to arrest records, mugshots, and other criminal history information upon request. The Mathews County Sheriff's Office, located at 10 Cricket Hill Road, oversees law enforcement duties across the broader county, serving as an additional resource for those seeking public records related to the local criminal justice system.

Mathews County voters are served by the Mathews County Office of Voter Registration and Elections, located at 10622 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA 23109, phone (804) 725-7171. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The official website with voter information is accessible through www.mathews-county.com/voter-registration. Mathews County residents can register to vote online through the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov, or by submitting a paper application available at the Registrar's Office, DMV offices, or various public agencies. The registration deadline is 22 days before any election. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Virginia residents, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and provide their Social Security number or Virginia DMV customer number for verification.

Because Mathews is an unincorporated community with no municipal government, there are no mayoral or city council elections. Mathews County voters participate in federal, state, and county-level elections. County offices on the ballot include Board of Supervisors representatives (elected by district), Constitutional Officers (Sheriff, Commonwealth's Attorney, Clerk of Circuit Court, Commissioner of the Revenue, and Treasurer, all elected countywide), and School Board members. These county offices typically appear on the ballot in November of odd-numbered years. To find assigned polling places, Mathews residents can use the Virginia Department of Elections polling place lookup tool at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov or contact the local Registrar. The county operates several precinct polling locations including Mathews Courthouse precinct and others distributed across the county's geographic districts.

Under Virginia law, certain election records are public: voter registration lists (available for purchase for legitimate purposes), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Virginia Department of Elections (searchable at https://cfreports.elections.virginia.gov), candidate filings and petitions, and certified election results by precinct. Individual voter history (whether someone voted, though not how they voted) is also public record. In the November 2024 presidential election, Mathews County reported approximately 62-65% voter turnout with roughly 5,200 to 5,400 ballots cast from approximately 8,300 registered voters, reflecting the county's relatively high civic engagement.

Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Mathews County voters will decide several significant races. Virginia holds elections for the U.S. Senate seat (Class II) in 2026, currently held by Mark Warner, representing a major statewide contest. All 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates will be on the ballot, including the delegate representing Mathews County in District 64 or the applicable reapportioned district. County constitutional officers including Sheriff, Commonwealth's Attorney, Treasurer, Commissioner of the Revenue, and Clerk of Circuit Court will be up for election, as these positions are elected to four-year terms in Virginia. Board of Supervisors seats may also be contested depending on the district rotation schedule. Virginia does not hold gubernatorial elections in 2026 (the next is 2025).

Virginia offers absentee voting both by mail and in-person early voting. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without stating a reason. Mail-in absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the Citizen Portal, by mail, fax, or email to the Mathews County Registrar by 5:00 PM on the Friday before Election Day (or the previous Tuesday at 5:00 PM for ballots to be mailed back). In-person early voting is available at the Registrar's Office beginning 45 days before the election through the Saturday before Election Day, with expanded hours during the final weeks. Voters must present acceptable photo ID when voting in person or include a copy with mailed absentee ballots, as required by Virginia Code § 24.2-643.