District of Columbia

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in District of Columbia by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on the Board of Elections website
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Board of Elections website or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person. You must register 5 days before the election.
• On Election Day: District of Columbia has same-day voter registration. You’ll be able to complete a voter registration form at your polling place.

The application is available in Amharic, Chinese, English, French, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, in-person, or during same-day voter registration. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in District of Columbia varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your DC DMV-issued ID number. If you do not have one then you may list the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued a Driver's License Number or a Social Security Number indicate this on the application.

Registering to vote by mail

Federal law now requires that all voter registration applications must include either the applicant's driver's license number or the last four digits of the applicant's social security number in order to be processed. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with their mail your voter registration form.

Registering to vote online

You must provide identification that shows your name and current address. You may attach a copy of your document through DC's registration portal, or you will be required to show it the first time you vote in an election in the District of Columbia.

Registering to vote on Election Day or during in-person early voting

Bring documentation to prove your residence. The document will need to show your name and current District of Columbia address. Bring one of the following: a copy of a current and valid government-issued photo ID, a utility bill, a bank statement, a paystub with your employer's name, address, and telephone number, a government issued document from a federal or District agency (other than the Board of Elections), a current residential lease, an occupancy statement from a District homeless shelter, a tuition or housing bill from a DC college or university issued for the current academic term. All documents presented must be current and date within 90 days of the upcoming election.

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your DC DMV-issued ID number. If you do not have one then you may list the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued a Driver's License Number or a Social Security Number indicate this on the application.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

Federal law now requires that all voter registration applications must include either the applicant's driver's license number or the last four digits of the applicant's social security number in order to be processed. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with their mail your voter registration form.

Pre-registering to vote online

You must provide identification that shows your name and current address. You may attach a copy of your document through DC's registration portal, or you will be required to show it the first time you vote in an election in the District of Columbia.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of District of Columbia can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit District of Columbia’s voter registration page on their Board of Elections website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In District of Columbia, you need to be registered to vote at least 5 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. 

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• Mail: {{ deadline_voter_registration_mail }}
• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Same-day registration is available during the early voting period and on Election Day, but you cannot change political party after regular registration ends 21 days before the election.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, District of Columbia has same-day voter registration. If you are unable to register by the online or mail deadline, you may register to vote at a polling place. You will be able to cast your ballot immediately after completing your voter registration.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

Yes, in District of Columbia, you can complete voter registration during early voting. At your early voting location, be sure to register to vote before completing your ballot.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

District of Columbia residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a United States citizen
• Maintain residency in the District of Columbia for at least 30 days prior to the election in which you intend to vote
• Not claim voting residence outside of the District of Columbia
• Be at least 17 years old and at least 18 years old by the next General Election
• Not have been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote

In District of Columbia, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 16 or 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

District of Columbia gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses. You must be registered to vote with Democratic, Republican, or D.C. Statehood Green parties to vote in the primary election in District of Columbia.