Qualifications
To register to vote in the District of Columbia, you must be:
- US citizen
- DC resident
- at least 18 years old by Election Day.
How to Register
If you meet these requirements, you can register to vote by
filling out a Mail-In Voter Registration Form.
Forms are also available at:
- DC public libraries
- fire houses
- police stations.
Voter Registration Deadline
Your mail in form must be postmarked at least 30 days before an election for you to vote in that election.
Choosing a Political Party
When you register to vote, you may choose to be "affiliated" with a political party. The space for choosing a party affiliation is on your mail-in registration form.
If you do not wish to be a member of a party, mark the space for "no party affiliation" (independent) on the registration form.
Please Note: "Independents" and voters registered with minor parties cannot vote in primary elections.
What to Do If You Move
Once you register, you remain registered to vote, as long as you keep a current residence address with the Board of Elections. When you move, you must notify the Board of Elections of your new address, in writing.
