D.C. early voting will begin March 17 for April's primary election. Because election season can be one of the more slippery slopes to traverse, we've taken some of the best advice from the D.C. Board of Elections website and compiled the highlights to make this year a little easier on potential voters.
What's on the Ballot
Selections for the Democratic, Republican, DC Statehood Green and Libertarian parties' nominees for the general election will be made, including:
- Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives
- D.C. Mayor
- D.C. Council Chairman
- At-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia
- Ward 1, 3, 5 and 6 Members of the Council of D.C.
- U.S. "Shadow" Representative
- U.S. "Shadow" Senator
- District of Columbia Democratic State Committee Offices
*Note: Shadow representatives are not technically seated in either Congress or the Senate, but advocate full voting rights for the District.
When/How Can I Register to VoteIn Order to Register and Vote in D.C., You Must:
- be a U.S. citizen
- be at least 16 to register, and turn 18 before the date of the next general election
- not incarcerated on a felony conviction under D.C. law
- be a D.C. resident for at least 30 days prior to the date of the election and not claim the right to vote in any other state or territory
- not be considered "legally incompetent" to vote
Official Voter Registration Agencies Include:
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Department of Corrections
- Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services
- Office of Aging
- Department of Parks and Recreation
- Department of Human Services
In order for a voter application to be accepted in time for an election, it must be filed at least 30 days ahead of the election. However, if you miss the deadline to register to vote at an official location, qualified applicants with valid proof of residence can register at your precincts designated polling place on Election Day and vote on a special ballot.
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Valid proof of residence includes: a copy of a current and valid government photo identification, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter.
If you are unsure whether you are registered to vote, you can check your registration status here, or call the D.C. Board of Elections at (202) 727-2525.
Where Can I Vote Early?
From March 17 to 29, except Sunday, March 23, One Judiciary Square (441 4th St. NW) will be open for early voting from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
All other locations will open from March 22 to 29 (except Sunday March 23), also from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The early voting locations are:
- Columbia Heights Community Center (1480 Girard St. NW)
- Chevy Chase Community Center (5601 Connecticut Ave. NW)
- Kennedy Recreation Center (1401 7th St. NW)
- Stoddert Recreation Center (4001 Calvert St. NW)
- Takoma Community Center (300 Van Buren St. NW)
- Emery Recreation Center (5801 Georgia Ave. NW)
- Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Ave. NE)
- Dorothy I. Height/ Benning Library (3935 Benning Rd. NE)
- Sherwood Recreation Center (640 10th St. NE)
- King Greenleaf Recreation Center (201 N St. SW)
- Bald Eagle Recreation Center (100 Jolie St. SW)
- Hillcrest Recreation Center (3100 Denver St. SE)
For early voting, D.C. voters can go to any of the above locations.
