DC Absentee Voter Guide

Military and overseas voters should visit the Overseas Vote Foundation.  Long Distance Voter's forms and deadlines should only be used by voters with US mailing addresses.

Important Deadlines

• Voter Registration: Postmarked at least 30 days before the election
• Absentee Ballot Application: Received by the Tuesday before the election
• Voted Absentee Ballot: Postmarked by election day

How to vote by absentee ballot

Register to vote

Recommended: Use our Voter Registration Widget.  Enter your information, print and sign the completed form, and mail it to the address printed on the form.  

You can also use the District of Columbia voter registration form.  Mail the form to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics (the address is on the form).

Verify your voter registration

You should receive written verification that your voter registration was processed within 2-3 weeks. If you don't - or if you can't remember if you're registered to vote - you can verify your voter registration here.

Make sure you're eligible to vote by absentee ballot

You may vote by absentee ballot in Washington, DC, if:

• you will be outside of the District of Columbia on Election Day
• you will be hospitalized on Election Day
• you have a physical handicap or disability
• you have a temporary or permanent illness
• you have been sequestered for jury duty
• you are incarcerated, but NOT on a felony conviction
• you are confined to an institution, but have not been judicially declared incompetent
• you are a uniformed or overseas citizen
• you are a member of the Board of Elections

Apply for your absentee ballot

How to apply for an absentee ballot: 

You can apply for your absentee ballot online at the DC Board of Elections and Ethics website.  This seems like it would be the fastest way to get your absentee ballot. 

You can download and complete the DC absentee ballot application. Mail your completed application to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics.  The Board of Ethics will process your application and mail your absentee ballot to you.

Receive, complete, and return your absentee ballot

The DC Board of Elections and Ethics will mail you an absentee ballot and a return envelope. Fill out your ballot, sign where indicated, put a stamp on it, and then mail your absentee ballot back to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics.  That's it!  You're done.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to provide ID when I apply for my absentee ballot?

You do not need to provide ID if you have already voted in DC at least once.  If you are voting for the first time in D.C. and you registered to vote by mail, you must include a copy of your ID with your absentee ballot application (you don't need to do this if you provided ID with your voter registration form).  Acceptable forms of ID include: a copy of a current driver’s license or other photo identification which shows your name and address OR or a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document which shows your name and address.

How can I vote an emergency absentee ballots?

If you are unable to appear in person at the polls on Election Day or at the Board of Elections office prior to the Election due to a physical incapacity resulting from illness which occurred after the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot by mail (7 days prior to the election), you can request an emergency absentee ballot.  Complete the the DC Application for Emergency Absentee Ballot, and mail your application to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics.  You can also designate a representative to deliver your application and pick up your ballot for you.

I won't be able to go to the polls on election day but don't want to vote by mail.  Can I vote in person before the election?

Yes. Check out our Early Voting page for details.

Additional Information