How to vote in D.C.

It’s early fall and a growing sense of unease permeates the air. That can only mean one thing: Election Day (otherwise known as the last day of voting) is nearly upon us. 

It’s been a … tiring few months. After expending some effort deciding who you’re voting for, you may have found yourself without sufficient energy to figure out how to vote. Well, we’re here to save you from frantically googling “Where is my polling place D.C.?” on Nov. 5. 

See below for an FAQ that answers all your logistical questions about how to cast your ballot in the District by next Tuesday.

How do I know if I’m registered to vote?

The D.C. Board of Elections makes it easy: You can check your voter registration status directly on their website. In addition to your name and date of birth, you’ll need either the last four digits of your SSN, the last 4 digits of your DMV-issued ID number, or your full voter ID number. If you have none of those things, call the DCBOE at 202-727-2525.

Ok, I’m not registered. How do I register?

D.C. allows you to register online and by mail, but the deadline for both was Oct. 15. You can still register to vote in person at any voting center in the city until Election Day, but you’ll have to bring proof of D.C. residency. A list of acceptable forms of proof can be found here, and includes a D.C. ID, a utility bill, a lease, or a pay stub.

A list of early vote centers can be found here, and they’re open from 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. from Oct. 28 through Nov. 3.

A list of Election Day vote centers can be found here, and they’re open from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Nov. 5.

When you register in person, you’ll be asked to complete a Registration Update Form and then given a ballot. You should get your voter registration card in the mail within six to eight weeks.

I’m registered, but at an old address. Is it too late to change my registration address?

Nope. As noted above, though, you’re too late to do it online or by mail. You’ll have to go to a voting center during early voting or on Election Day and change your information in person. See more information here, and see above for a list of early vote centers and Election Day vote centers.

Where is my polling place?

Registered voters in D.C. can cast their ballot at any voting center in the city, regardless of their residential address. See here for a list of early vote centers, Election Day vote centers, and mail ballot drop boxes. 

When does early voting begin?

Early voting started on Oct. 28 and goes through Sunday, Nov. 3. Early vote centers are open from 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. See a list of early vote centers here. 

How does mail voting work?

D.C. mails a ballot with a postage-paid return envelope to every registered voter. (If you haven’t gotten one, dig around in the pile of mail you’ve neglected to check for months or check your D.C. voter registration to ensure you’re registered at the correct address). 

You can mail your ballot using the prepaid envelope, but it must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 5. You can also drop off your ballot at one of the ballot drop boxes stationed around the city. A list of those drop boxes can be found here. (This should go without saying, but if you’re a Maryland or Virginia voter, don’t drop a ballot in these boxes). 

Here are further instructions for filling out your mail ballot from the DCBOE.

You can track the status of your mail ballot here.

*An important note:* If you are a first-time voter who registered by mail or online, you will need to provide an ID document with your mail ballot. You’ll need a copy of a current government-issued photo ID, or a current utility bill, bank statement, or other government-issued document with your name and address. It should be dated no earlier than 90 days before the election. You should place a copy of this document inside the return ballot envelope. Without it, your ballot will be counted as provisional until you submit a copy of your ID to the Board of Elections. 

I never got a mail ballot. What do I do?

You’ll have to vote in person at an early vote center or at an Election Day vote center on Nov. 5. Check to make sure you’re registered at the correct address so you can ensure you get a ballot next time around.

Do I need to provide any documentation or ID to vote in D.C.?

If you’ve voted in D.C. before, you won’t need to provide ID. If it’s your first time, you may need to provide proof of residency in D.C. to vote. Acceptable forms of documentation can be found here.

What local races are on the ballot?

You can see a sample ballot with a list of the races and candidates on DCBOE’s website. In D.C., voters will decide on Initiative 83, which would bring ranked-choice voting and semi-open primaries to the District. 

Two at-large seats are open, and both Robert White and Christina Henderson are seeking another term. They’re expected to defeat their Republican challengers easily. 

Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto is running unopposed.

Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George is also running unopposed in the General Election, after beating out some challengers in the primary. 

Ward 7 Democratic primary winner Wendell Felder is expected to beat Republican challenger Noah Montgomery for Vincent Gray’s seat after the latter’s retirement.

And in Ward 8, Councilmember Trayon White is expected to win against a field of write-in candidates and a Republican with little chance of garnering significant support. The federal government brought bribery charges against White earlier this year. You can read more about the Ward 8 race here. 

You’ll also cast a vote for the D.C. House Delegate,  a shadow senator, and a shadow U.S. Rep.