At a Glance: Washington D.C.

District of Columbia Voting Rules

Voter Registration Form:
Forms can be found here.

Deadline to Register:
30 days before Election Day (October 5, 2008).

Voter Eligibility:
To register to vote in the District of Columbia you must: be a U.S. citizen, be a D.C. resident, be at least 18 years old on or before the next election, have not been in jail for a felony conviction, have not been adjudged “mentally incompetent” by a court of law, and have not claimed the right to vote anywhere outside D.C.

Identification Requirements:
Driver’s license number or the last four digits of their social security number. If you do not have a driver’s license, you must provide the last four digits of your social security number. If you have neither, please check the appropriate box on this voter registration form and the District will assign you a number.

Where to Turn in Your Registration:
D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics

441 4th ST. NW, Suite 250N Washington, DC 20001

Absentee Voting: Excuse Required.
Excuses: Temporarily outside the District of Columbia; physical handicap or disability; will be hospitalized on Election Day; incarcerated but not on a felony conviction; uniformed or overseas citizen; temporary or permanent illness; board employee; sequestered for Jury Duty; confined to an institution but not judicially declared incompetent; religious reasons.
Begin the Application Process
Dates: Must be received 7 days before Election Day.

Early Vote:
Yes. In person absentee voting. Same excuses as absentee required.

For More Information
Washington DC Elections Board
441 4th St NW # 250, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 727-2525
Visit their website

Info about veterans, voting in other states, etc.

Please see this website for more information on U.S. Military Voter Services and voting overseas.

Click here to return to our Voter Registration Action Center home page.

Read our voter registration event guide here.

Visit Washington D.C.'s state home page.