Voting 101

What are the hours for polling on Election Day?

Polls in the District of Columbia are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Voters in line at 8:00 p.m. WILL be allowed to vote. Voters arriving after 8:00 p.m. are not allowed to vote.


How do I know if I am registered?

You are registered if you have received a voter card in the mail—if you do not have a registration card, you may still be registered. You can log on to www.dcboee.org and click on “Check your registration status” under “Voter Information”. You can also call (202) 727-2525 to verify your registration status, though hold times may be long.


Where do I go on Election Day?

To find your polling place you can look at the back of your voter guide, your voter card or log on to www.dcboee.org and click on “Find your polling place”. You can also call (202) 727-2525 to find your polling place, though hold times may be long.


Will lines be long on Election Day?

Yes. The Board anticipates that with the expected high voter participation on November 4th, there will be long lines on Election Day. You can help reduce lines by being prepared: bring a book or other reading material; be sure to go to the correct location so that you don’t find that you have to go somewhere else after you arrive; be aware that there will likely not be restrooms available while you are waiting in line; read your voter guide BEFORE arriving at the polling place and be ready to simply mark the choices on your ballot—reading your ballot for the first time when it is in front of you slows the line considerably; if you have flexibility in your day, go to the polls at off hours—most voters tend to vote in the early morning and after work, lines may be shortest in the late morning and early afternoon; and, above all, be patient! Voting is an important right of citizenship, please don’t let lines keep you from voting!


How do I vote an absentee ballot?

Voters who requested a ballot by mail must have their ballots postmarked by Election Day. Absentee ballots can also be returned to any District polling place on Election Day. Voters wishing to vote an absentee ballot in person can do so at the Board’s office (441 4th Street, NW, Suite 250-North) from Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.
Can I wear t-shirts, hats or buttons supporting my candidate when I go to vote?
No, District of Columbia Municipal Regulations strictly prohibit any political activity within 50 feet of the entrance to a polling location. Political activity includes ANY outward sign of support for a candidate including hats, t-shirts, buttons, etc. Any voter who is displaying outward support for a candidate or candidates will be asked to take corrective action prior to entering the polling place.


How do I write in a candidate?

When voting a paper ballot, voters should connect the arrow next to the space labeled “write-in” and then write in the full name of the candidate next to the arrow. On the touchscreen machine, voters should select “write-in” and then type the candidate’s full name when the keypad appears on the screen.


What if I am not on the list when I get to the polling place?

Voters who are not on the list should first determine if they are in the correct location. If they are, then they should be sure that the Check-in Clerk is spelling the name correctly. If they are still not on the list, then they can cast a vote by special ballot. No voter who believes that he or she is registered in that precinct should be turned away from the polling place. Voters casting special ballots will have those ballots counted if the Board can verify their registration status.


What if I need assistance when voting?

Voters needing assistance when voting may bring someone to help them or they may ask for help from the poll workers.


What if my polling place is not accessible?

The vast majority of polling locations in the District are accessible to persons with mobility challenges. However, in those rare cases where the polling location may have problems with accessibility, the voter may vote curbside (outside the polling place) or may vote at ANY other polling location by casting a special ballot. These special ballots will be counted by the Board even though the voter is not in the correct precinct.