I voted early yesterday first time ever (dropped off my ballot)!

Does VA have drop boxes or where did you have to drop it off?

Not exactly widespread, but at least I didn't have to brave the long line of early in-person voters.

The drop box legislation (with funding) arrived too late (Sep 4th) to have a lot of practical impact, but I'm hopeful it helps our next state election, which is next year.

It has nothing to do with 2019. The only thing that changed is now you no longer need to specify why you want to early vote. Before that you had to state that you would be traveling or at work or something similar on election day to vote early.

We also voted absentee in person yesterday and in my little rural county there was a line at the registrar.

I've lived here most of my life; I have looked into it in prior years due to a disabled spouse, but the rules were too stringent to help her.

I am also a Virginian and I voted absentee in person in 2016. All I had to do is say I was traveling that day for business. They did not ask for justification or documents, just that I certify it. It certainly was an option for disabled people as well.

https://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/electionadministration/electionlaw/2020-Changes-to-Virginia-Election-Laws.pdf

https://richmond.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/virginia-legislators-approve-drop-boxes-prepaid-return-postage-for-absentee-ballots/article_48f8df6d-b06a-5286-b82c-cbf44d916445.html

This year's fair election process has EVERYTHING to do with 2019.

Its an excellent change. I can already see that from the lines of voters at the registrar. Also, many people I talked to did not have any idea it was even possible to apply to do so before (even if as you stated, you had to provide a valid excuse).