District of Columbia Voting Guide
By Melissa McCall, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Steven J. Ellison, Esq. | Last reviewed March 11, 2024
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Get answers to your questions about voting through FindLaw's District of Columbia Voter Guide.
This guide addresses:
- Your eligibility to vote
- Voter registration
- Absentee ballots
- How to find your polling place
- What to bring to the polls
- Accommodations
- What to do if you see illegal activity at the polls
Washington, D.C. is not a state, so they do not enjoy the same Congressional representation as other American citizens. D.C. voters can select a delegate to Congress, but their delegate to the House of Representatives cannot vote on the House floor. Washington, D.C., has no representation in the U.S. Senate.
Registered voters in the District elect local officials, and the voting processes in local elections are mostly similar to those in other areas of the country. Learn how to register, where to register, and more in this FindLaw.com guide.
Voting in Washington, D.C.
Although D.C. residents do not enjoy Congressional representation, they do vote in federal elections for president. The winner of a presidential election receives three electoral votes. D.C. residents also vote for the following in local elections:
- Mayor
- Attorney General
- D.C. Council
- D.C. Board of Education
- Ballot measures, like D.C. statehood
Am I Eligible To Vote In Washington, D.C.?
You are eligible to vote in Washington, D.C., if you:
- Are a citizen of the United States of America
- Have been a resident of the District of Columbia for at least 30 days before Election Day, which includes incarcerated D.C. residents
- Are at least 18 years of age on Election Day (You can pre-register to vote at 16 and vote in primary elections at 17 if you will be 18 by the general election.)
You are not eligible to vote if:
- A court of law has deemed you legally incompetent
- You can claim the right to vote in another state or territory in the U.S.
POLLING PLACE FINDER
Where Do I Vote?
D.C. residents have three options to cast their ballot. These options include the following:
- In-person polling place
- Mail-in ballot
- Ballot drop box
You can get more information on your polling place and ballot drop box locations on the District of Columbia Board of Elections website.
How to Register To Vote In Washington, D.C.
District of Columbia residents have several options to register to vote. These include the following:
In Person
Complete the voter registration form in person at the D.C. Board of Elections.
Online
Register on the D.C. Board of Elections' voting information website.
At the Polls
Bring proof of residence for same-day registration at the polls.
By Mail
Mail your voter registration application to the D.C. Board of Elections.
Via Ballot Drop Box
Drop your ballot in the ballot drop box or at a polling center before 8 PM on Election Day.
If you have questions about your voter registration status, check with the D.C. Board of Elections.
When Is Washington, D.C.'s Voter Registration Deadline?
Online/By Mail: If you are registering to vote by mail, the Board of Elections must receive your voter registration application at least 21 days before the election.
In-person: If you submit your application in person, you must do so by the day before the start of the early voting period. The exact start of the early voting period changes relate to each election, but you can find that information on the D.C. Board of Elections website.
Requesting an Absentee Ballot In Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., allows for no-excuse absentee voting. If you prefer to vote via absentee ballot, you can request the Board of Elections send you one.
Although any written and signed request will work, the D.C. Board of Elections has an absentee ballot request form you can fill out and submit by mail, email, fax, or in person.
If you request an absentee ballot, the Board of Elections must receive it at least seven days before Election Day. In addition, your ballot must have a postmark by Election Day. You can track your absentee ballot via the track your absentee ballot page of the D.C. Board of Elections website.
What Do I Need To Bring to the Polls In Washington, D.C.?
If you are already registered to vote in Washington, D.C., you are not required to bring anything to the polls on Election Day. However, some polling places require voters to show some form of photo identification to enter the polling place. As a general rule, bringing some form of ID with you to your polling place is wise. Some examples of acceptable IDs include:
- A valid driver's license
- Current utility bill
- U.S. passport
- Bank statement
If you use a bill or bank statement as ID, ensure the date is within 90 days of Election Day.
For same-day registration, you must bring acceptable proof of residence. Some examples of acceptable proof of residence include
- Current District of Columbia ID
- Current utility bill
- Bank statement
- Tuition bill
- Government document
Special Accommodations for D.C. Voters
Disabled and elderly voters have several options for casting their ballot in Washington D.C. elections. In addition to the usual absentee voting, you can also vote early at an Early Voting Center or have your ballot transferred to a polling place that can accommodate your disability.
If your age or disability prevents you from entering your polling place, you may be able to cast your ballot from your vehicle with the assistance of polling place workers.
What Do I Do if I See Something Illegal at the Polls?
If you witness illegal activity at your polling place, you should alert a poll worker and the D.C. Board of Elections.
Get Legal Help Voting in D.C.
You have a right to vote. If you believe your voting rights have been unjustly limited, you should speak to a civil rights attorney who specializes in voting rights. They are experts in this area of the law and can give you sound legal advice. Speak to an experienced civil rights attorney today.
Additional Information
1015 Half Street, SE, Suite 750 Washington, DC 20003
Phone:202-727-2525 Web: https://www.dcboe.org/
D.C. Voting Resources
Your vote counts. Take the time to learn how and when to vote.
Where Do I Vote?
Find your D.C. voting place through the Board of Elections.
How to Register in Washington, D.C.
There are several ways to register to vote in Washington, D.C. This includes registering:
At the Polls
Bring proof of residence for same-day voter registration at the polls.
Voting Resources
Your vote counts. Take the time to learn how and when to vote.
