Photo by ericschoon
With just over two weeks until election day, early voting has started in D.C. to decide the next mayor of the city, as well as several other elected positions.
Despite the upside down flag, the voters guide published by the D.C. Board of Elections is full of useful information. Below, we’ve pulled out some tidbits that will help you participate in this election.
I’m not registered to vote. Is it too late?
It is not. Same-day registration can take place an early voting location or at the polling place that serves your address on election day. To prove residency, you must show one of the following documents:
Current and valid District of Columbia DMV-issued ID Government check or paycheck Bank statement Current utility bill or lease Other government document showing your name and current District address Statement from a student housing/resident facility Statement of occupancy from a District of Columbia homeless shelter
Technically, you do not need a D.C. driver’s license to vote in the city, but you should not be able to claim voting residence outside the city. After voting by special ballot, the Board must be able to verify your residence for your vote to count.
I’m already registered to vote, but I don’t feel like going in person. Can I vote by mail?
Yes. Any registered voter can vote by mail, a process that involves two trips to a mailbox. To request an absentee ballot, you must fill out a form found on DCBOE’s website, print it out, sign it and mail it to the Board (One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street NW, Room 250 North). The request must be received by 4:45 p.m. on October 28, and ballots must be postmarked by election day.
I crave human contact, but am busy on November 4. How can I vote early?
One Judiciary Square opened this morning to early voting, and will stay that way through Saturday, November 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on Sunday, October 26. There are also early voting centers in every Ward, which open on Saturday, October 25. Find yours here.
DCBOE updates its site semi-regularly with wait times, so check that out before heading over.
Wait, am I even registered?
Registration status can be verified here. If you are registered, the site will also show you where to vote on election day.
Uh, I’ve been busy. Who are the candidates again?
DCist will have guides to the mayoral, At-Large and attorney general races up later this week. Until then, check out our past election coverage and the candidate statements, which begin on page 24, here [PDF].
