To register to vote in the District of Columbia, an individual must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be at least 18 years old by general Election Day
- Be a resident of the District of Columbia
- Not be in jail for a felony conviction
- Not have been adjudged "mentally incompetent" by a court of law
- Not claim the right to vote anywhere else but D.C.
Must register to vote at least 30 days before the election.
Can select or change party affiliation up to 30 days before the election.
Can register to vote in person or obtain a mail-in application from:
- DC public libraries
- Fire houses
- Police stations
You can also obtain a mail-in voter registration application or register online.
Absentee Voting:
An absentee ballot can be requested through the Board of Elections. Voters must request a mail absentee ballot in writing up to seven (7) days prior to an election. Hours for in-person absentee voting are from 8:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m., Monday through Saturday, beginning 15 days prior to each election.
An absentee ballot application can also be accessed online.
Your absentee ballot must be postmarked or delivered to the Board's office on or before Election Day. The return envelope must be signed in order for your vote to be counted. Voters may also cast an in-person absentee ballot in the Board's office located at 441 Fourth Street, Suite 250 North, NW up to the day before the election.
For more election and voter information you can contact the District of Columbia's Board of Elections and Ethics' Office.
