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 Form: Postmarked at least 30 days before the election (by mail); on election day (in person)
• 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's online voter registration tool.  Just follow the instructions.  Print, sign, and mail the completed form to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics (the address will be on the form).

You can register to vote and apply for your absentee ballot at the same time.  Put your completed voter registration form and your completed absentee ballot application in the same envelope and mail both to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics.  Both forms must be received by the voter registration deadline (at least 30 days before the election).

Verify your voter registration

It's best to verify your voter registration before applying for your absentee ballot.  If there's a problem with your registration, register again before proceeding.

NOTE: Most people receive their voter registration cards in the mail 2-3 weeks after registering to vote. Don't worry if you lost or never received it. You don't actually need your voter registration card to vote.

Make sure you're eligible to vote by absentee ballot

Good newsAs of August 1, 2010, you no longer need an excuse to vote by absentee ballot in DC.  Any DC voter can vote by absentee ballot.  

Apply for your absentee ballot

You can apply online using the DC online absentee ballot application. This seems like the fastest way to get your absentee ballot.

You can also use the paper DC absentee ballot application.  Mail your completed application to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics.  The address is on the form.

You can check the status of your absentee ballot online here.

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

Can I register to vote and apply for my absentee ballot at the same time?

YES!. Put your completed voter registration form and your completed absentee ballot application in the same envelope and mail both to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics.  Both forms must be received by the voter registration deadline (at least 30 days before the election).

If you're a first-time DC voter you should include a copy of your ID with your applications.  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.

Do I need to provide ID when I vote by 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.

Can I vote by absentee ballot on a permanent basis?

Yes!  Use the DC online absentee ballot application to apply.  Check the box on the first page indicating that you would like to receive absentee ballots for all elections.  Your name will remain on the permanent absentee voter list until you ask the DC Board of Elections and Ethics to have it removed.

I need an emergency absentee ballot.  Help!

The deadline for applying for an absentee ballot is seven days before an election.  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, 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.

Can I vote in person before the election?

Yes. Check out our Early Voting page for details.

Additional Information