Any registered voter is eligible to participate in the primary. In the absence of party registration, the pledge seeks to maintain the integrity of the primary results and guarantees the seating of the Virginia Delegation at the national convention in Philadelphia from July 31 st to August 3 rd . Contrary to many reports, the pledge is not a loyalty oath. At the national convention, Virginia s delegates will be bound to vote for the winner of the Virginia primary on the first ballot only. Virginia delegates are free spirits on subsequent ballots.
Absentee voting is permitted in the primary.
Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the voter registrar by Saturday, February 26 th , if the applications are submitted in person. If the applications are submitted by mail, electronically or by fax machine, they must be received by Thursday, February 24 th .