Absentee voting is available and no excuse is required. All active registered voters in DC will be mailed a ballot for the 2022 elections. However, DC voters who expect to be away from their DC residence during the election must request a Mail-In Ballot: Mail-In Ballot Request Form. Requests for Mail-in-Ballots must be received no later than the 15th day before each election. Your voted absentee ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day in order to be counted.
To ensure that you receive your mail-in ballot at the correct address, it is critical that you CHECK and UPDATE (if necessary) your voter registration.
Voting and Returning an Absentee Ballot
Your voted absentee ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day. The return envelope must be signed in order for your vote to be counted.
You do not need to provide ID if you’ve already voted in DC at least once. If you’re voting for the first time in DC and you did not provide any ID at the time of registration, you must include a copy of your ID with your absentee ballot applications. You may provide either:
- A copy of a current driver’s license or other photo ID that shows your name and address
- A copy of a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address
Permanent Absentee Ballot List
To be a Permanent Absentee Voter, simply check the appropriate box on the Absentee Ballot Application or send a written request to the Board of Elections office.
Voting In Person After Requesting an Absentee Ballot
Those who requested an absentee ballot but end up voting in person or on Election Day, at a Vote Center: Voters can dispose of the ballot that they received in the mail. They will be provided a new ballot at the Vote Center. Voters may be required to complete a Special Ballot if the pollbook shows they have received an Absentee Ballot for this election or have returned a ballot to BOE. If you have not already voted, your Special Ballot will be counted.
Overseas citizens and U.S. military personnel can find information on how to register to vote and request an absentee ballot at the Overseas Vote Foundation.
