Because the District of Columbia is automatically sending ballots to all active, registered voters, voting by mail is an easy Plan A to have in November. Should you be unable to return your ballot early enough to avoid potential postal problems, the District is also providing numerous early vote sites in the last week of October, and abundant polling places on Election Day.
To avoid possible postal delays impacting your vote, we recommend mailing your completed ballot back by Tuesday, October 13th. Plan to drop it off by hand after that.
If you are concerned about your absentee ballot returning on time through the mail, visit our other page to learn how to drop your ballot off in person.
Registering In Person: November 3, 2020, with proof of residence
Registering By Mail: Received October 13, 2020
Registering Online: October 13, 2020
Request In Person: N/A
Request By Mail: Received October 27, 2020
Request Online: Received October 27, 2020
Ballots sent by mail must be postmarked by November 3, 2020 and are valid if received up to seven days after the election.
We strongly recommend mailing your ballot much earlier (by October 13th) and, if that's not possible, dropping it off in person. Learn how below or on our other page.
Ballots will be automatically mailed to all active, registered voters in early October.
If you want your ballot sent to a location other than your registered address:
No.
No.
Ballots may be returned to drop box locations. You might also try Early Vote Centers and Election Day Vote Centers.
Yes. A registered voter may apply for and return an emergency ballot through an authorized agent if the voter is unexpectedly unable to be present at the polls due to an illness or accident or the voter is serving on a sequestered jury on November 3, 2020.
October 27th to November 2nd, from 8:30am - 7:00pm, Sunday excluded
Locations vary by ward.
No.
Yes. If you have missed the voter registration deadline, you can still register to vote and a cast a ballot at the same time during early voting or on November 3, 2020.
Simply go to your regular polling place or early voting site to register and vote. Contact your Local Election Office if you have any questions.
You will need to bring proof of residency, such as a government photo ID, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or pay check that shows your current name and address.
7am - 8pm
If you are in line when polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Don't leave!
No.