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Here’s what you need to know if you’re voting in Washington, D.C., in 2012:
VOTER REGISTRATION
Where can I register to vote?
You can register in person at the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics office, by mail or online at www.dcboee.org/voter_info/.
Voter registration forms also are available at a wide range of places in the District of Columbia:
- D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles centers;
- Public libraries;
- The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department;
- The Metropolitan Police Department;
- Other executive agencies.
When is the deadline to register?
If you are registering to vote by mail, your voter registration application for the November 2012 elections must be received by the board by Tuesday, Oct. 9.
If you miss the deadline to register, you still can vote on Election Day. The District of Columbia offers same-day voter registration.
You can register at the polls on Election Day if you bring one of the following items:
- Current and valid government-issued photo identification card with your address;
- Current lease or utility bill with your address;
- Bank statement with your address;
- Government-issued check with your address;
- Paycheck or stub with your name and address; or
- Other government-issued document that shows your name and address.
Note: Student voters also may present housing assignment forms and/or tuition or housing bills from District colleges and universities as proof of residence, and homeless residents may present occupancy statements from District homeless shelters.
PROOF OF IDENTITY
Do voters need to show ID?
No. Many voters choose to show ID, but it is not required. There are two exceptions:
- If you register at the polls, you must show proof of residence (see previous section on voter registration); and
- Federal law requires identification if you:
- Registered to vote for the first time by mail AND
- The board has been unable to verify the Social Security number or driver’s license number that you provided.
If you are required to show ID and you do not have it at the polls, you can show it to the board up to 10 days after the election.
EARLY VOTING
Who is eligible to vote early?
You do not need an excuse to vote early in the District—any eligible voter can take advantage of this option. If you are not registered to vote, you can register and vote at an early voting center during operating hours.
When and where will early voting be taking place?
Old Council Chambers
One Judiciary Square
441 4th St., N.W., Suite 250 North
Monday, Oct. 22 – Saturday, Oct. 27, and Monday, Oct. 29 – Saturday, Nov. 3
8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
OR
Choice of eight early voting centers (one in each ward). Please visit www.dcboee.org or call the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics at 1-866-DC-VOTES for information about the location nearest you. Hours are:
Saturday, Oct. 27
Monday, Oct. 29
Saturday, Nov. 3
8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
ABSENTEE VOTING
Where can I apply to vote absentee?
You can apply in person or through a written request to the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics. An absentee ballot request form also can be submitted online at the D.C. Board of Elections website, www.dcboee.org.
What is the deadline to request an absentee ballot?
Requests for an absentee ballot must be received by Oct. 30, 2012.
When do I need to return my completed ballot?
Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by the board within 10 days of the election.
If you have any questions, please visit www.dcboee.org or call the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics at 202-727-2525.