If you’re unsure whether you’re currently registered to vote in DC, you can check your status of your registration on the DC Board of Elections Check Your Voter Registration Status page.  

To ensure that you receive your mail-in ballot at the correct address, check and update (if necessary) your voter registration.

To register to vote in DC, you must: 

• Be a United States citizen
• Maintain residency in DC for at least 30 days prior to the election in which you intend to vote
• Not claim voting residence outside of DC
• Be at least 17 years old and at least 18 years old by the next General Election (You may pre-register to vote if you are at least 16 years old and meet eligibility requirements. You will automatically be registered to vote once you reach your 18th birthday)
• Not have been found by a court to be legally ineligible to vote

There are several ways to register to vote in DC. To learn more, and to view a list of accepted proofs of residence, please visit the DC Board of Elections  Register/Update Voter Registration page. By law, the Board has 19 days to process a voter registration once it is submitted. However, voter registrations are typically processed in fewer than 19 days.

In-Person on Election Day: All voting centers are open on Election Day, 11/5, 7 am-8 pm!

In-Person Early Voting: Early voting centers are open from 10/28-11/3, 8:30 am-7 pm.

Mail-in Ballot: Send in your completed ballot by mail or bring it to any drop box or voting center anytime from 10/11-11/5! Mailed ballots must be postmarked by 11/5; ballots can be dropped off until 8 pm on Election Day.

All registered voters will receive a mail-in ballot at their address on file for the 2023 General Election. You will ONLY need to request an Absentee Ballot if you will be away from your DC residence during the General Election.

If you need an Absentee Ballot, you can request one using the DC Board of Elections Absentee Ballot Request Form.

You can vote at any Early Vote Center or Election Day Vote Center.

Find an Early Vote Center or Election Day Vote Center location here.

Registered voters do not need to present identification or proof of residence to vote. However, it’s encouraged that you take some form of identification with you to vote in case you need it.

If you plan to register in person during the Early Voting period or on Election Day, you will need to provide proof of residence in order to register and vote.

If this is your first time voting in DC and you did not provide proof of residence when registering, you will need to show proof of residence in order to cast a live (regular) ballot.

Acceptable forms of proof of residence include the following (must include the name and address of the voter):

• Valid District of Columbia DMV-issued ID 
• Government check or paycheck*
• Bank statement*
• Current utility bill (does not include cell phone)*
• Student housing statement/tuition bill
• Homeless shelter occupancy statement
• Residential Lease
• Other current government document that shows your name and address

*The issue, bill, or statement date must be within 90 days of Election Day

As a 501c3, PAVE does not endorse any candidates.