It is not early voting like in other states.
The Commonwealth of Virginia allows absentee voting for numerous citizens: active duty and reserve and guard military members, college students and citizens who can use any of 10-15 reasons (gonna be in hospital, on vacation, on business travel, ect.) to absentee / “vote early” before the polls open on the actual election day.
I voted (Trump) absentee this past Tuesday and used code / reason 4E which allows me to absentee vote because I have a long commute to and from work each day that could prevent me from voting on election day. I also had to tell them where I work and what company I work for.....
I had to show a photo id @ the county electoral board office, fill out a form that is generated from our id and attest with signatute that I have a valid excuse to absentee vote.
Typically the Commonwealth of Virginia gets crappy weather most election days. The weather can prevent my commuter bus from getting me to my car in time to get to my voting precint.
OK. I get it. Thanks for your info!