What must a person do prior to casting their vote?

Before casting a vote, a person must register to vote. This is a crucial step in the electoral process, as voter registration ensures that individuals are eligible to participate in elections and that their votes are counted. Each state, including Virginia, has specific registration requirements and deadlines that citizens must follow to be able to vote.

Educating oneself about the candidates and issues is certainly important, but it is not a requirement to register and vote. Attending a rally can help inform a person's opinion and support for candidates, but it is not a prerequisite for voting. Choosing a candidate also comes after the registration process and is part of the voting decision-making process. Thus, the foundation of participating in an election begins with registration, making it the essential first step before actual voting can take place.