Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:32 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:11 a.m. UTC
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Summary
The District of Columbia mails a ballot to every registered voter a few weeks before the election. Keep an eye on the mailbox! Be sure to mail it back so that it is postmarked by Election Day, or drop it in a drop box before or on Election Day. You can also vote in person if you prefer to do so. The District of Columbia offers early voting.
What key changes should voters know about?
Due to legislation effective on April 6, The District of Columbia will conduct all elections primarily by mail.
- All registered qualified voters will receive a mail-in ballot and postage-paid envelope.
- Completed mail-in ballots must be postmarked by election day and received by the Board of Elections by the 10th day after the election.
- Voters registered in the District of Columbia who choose to vote in person may vote at any vote center in the District of Columbia, regardless of their residence address.
Learn more by visiting the The District of Columbia Board of Elections's website or contacting your local election office.
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Who can register to vote?
To vote in the District of Columbia you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of the District of Columbia
- maintain residency in the District of Columbia for at least 30 days prior to the election in which you intend to vote
- not claim voting residence or the right to vote in another U.S. state or territory
- be at least 17 years old (you may register to vote if you are at least 16 years old. You may vote in a primary election if you are at least 17 years old and you will be at least 18 years old by the next general election. You may vote in a general or special election if you are at least 18 years old.)
- not have been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on The District of Columbia's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, The District of Columbia does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted in DC before, you don't need to provide ID to vote. Some polling locations may require ID for you to enter the facility, however.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't provide proof of residence when registering, you will need to show proof of residence to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- current and valid government-issued photo ID
- current utility bill (does not include cell phone bill) issued within 90 days of Election Day
- bank statement issued within 90 days of Election Day
- government check issued within 90 days of Election Day
- paycheck
- lease or rental agreement
- university housing or tuition bill
- another government document that shows your name and address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a special ballot. You have two days following the election to show ID to the Board of Elections.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on The District of Columbia’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, The District of Columbia does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted in DC before, you don't need to provide ID to vote. Some polling locations may require ID for you to enter the facility, however.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't provide proof of residence when registering, you will need to show proof of residence to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- current and valid government-issued photo ID
- current utility bill (does not include cell phone bill) issued within 90 days of Election Day
- bank statement issued within 90 days of Election Day
- government check issued within 90 days of Election Day
- paycheck
- lease or rental agreement
- university housing or tuition bill
- another government document that shows your name and address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a special ballot. You have two days following the election to show ID to the Board of Elections.
How do I vote by mail?
The District of Columbia conducts elections primarily by mail. If you are an active registered voter, then you can expect to receive a ballot in the mail. It will be sent to the mailing address you used to register to vote.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or use a ballot drop box.
- Find a ballot dropbox near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, USPS recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on The District of Columbia’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
The District of Columbia does offer in person registration during early voting and on Election Day. To register when you vote, you must provide proof of residence that shows your name and current District of Columbia address.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
Learn more about what will be on your ballot by visiting Ballotpedia.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in The District of Columbia. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using The District of Columbia's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- The Board of Elections oversees elections and election administration in The District of Columbia. They can help you with questions about voting, state elections, and federal elections in your state. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.