The election is Nov. 6, but if you're not going to be here, don't sweat it. You can vote absentee.

According to the Fredericksburg voter registrar's office, absentee voting in person is available more than a month prior to the elections. You can vote absentee at the registrar's office at 601 Caroline Street, Suite 500-A in Fredericksburg.

The hours are: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The office is also open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. the two Saturdays prior to the election. This year, that's Oct. 27 and Nov. 3. The Saturday before the election is the final day for voting absentee in person.

Residents may also apply to vote absentee by mail. According to the registrar's office, "The application form must be completed and returned to the registrar at least five days (Thursday) before an election. Application may be made up to 10 months prior to an election." 

Some valid excuses for voting absentee that will pass muster, according to the City of Fredericksburg Voter Registrar:

• Persons with a physical disability or illness
• If you're on personal or professional business or vacation
• For caretakers of confined family members
• For people who are confined awaiting trial or by conviction of a misdemeanor
• For active duty members of the uniformed service, or merchant marines, their spouses or dependents
• For those serving as an election official
• For students or their spouses.