Not sure when this was made available online, but you don't have to worry about printing, filling and mailing the form any more. If you're registered to vote in Virginia, simply fill out the online form and the ballot will be sent to you via mail.
https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation
Unfortunately, you have to have a reason to vote absentee, although those reasons are pretty generous. We have a lot of members in the military, in college, work police/fire/EMS, and that travel for work so I thought this was worth posting here.
Reasons for voting absentee:
1A Student attending college or university outside of locality of residence in Virginia
1B Spouse of student attending college or university outside locality of residence in Virginia
1C Business outside County/City of residence on Election Day
1D Personal business or vacation outside County/City of residence on Election Day
1E I am working and commuting to/from home for 11 or more hours between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Election Day
1F I am a first responder (member of law enforcement, fire fighter, emergency technician, search and rescue)
2A My disability or illness
2B I am primarily and personally responsible for the care of a disabled/ill family member confined at home
2C My pregnancy
3A Confined, awaiting trial
3B Confined, convicted of a misdemeanor
4A An electoral board member, registrar, officer of election, or custodian of voting equipment
5A I have a religious obligation
6A Active Duty Merchant Marine or Armed Forces
6B Spouse or dependent living with a member of 6A
6C Temporarily residing outside of US
6D Temporarily residing outside of US for employment or spouse or dependent residing with employee
7A Requesting a ballot for presidential and vice-presidential electors only Only eligible if you moved less than 30 days before the presidential election.
8A Authorized representative of candidate or party serving inside the polling place