Voting is one of our most fundamental rights, and the D.C. primary election is on June 4, 2024. At ACLU-D.C., we work to build a just and free D.C. where all people can exercise their civil rights and liberties. However you plan to vote, make civil rights and liberties a priority when you cast your ballot this June.
Here is everything you need to know to vote in the primary. D.C. voter registration, polling locations, early voting, mail-in and drop-off ballots – we’ve got you covered.
REGISTER TO VOTE
Who can vote in the D.C. primary election?
D.C. residents who will be at least 18 years old by November 5, 2024 (general election day), and who are registered to vote as a Democrat, Republican, or DC Statehood Green, can vote in the June 4 D.C. primary election. Registered Independent voters cannot vote in this primary. You can register with one of the parties or change your party affiliation by May 14.
Who can register to vote?
Both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens can register to vote. To register, you must:
- be at least 17 years old (you can vote in a primary election if you will be at least 18 years old by the next general election);
- have claimed residency in the District of Columbia since at least May 5, 2024;
- not claim residency or be registered to vote anywhere else;
- not have been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote.
District residents who are U.S. citizens and 16 years old can pre-register to vote (but cannot vote in the primary election until the year they will turn 18 years old by general election day).
D.C. residents who are incarcerated may also register to vote, even if they are held outside the District. The District of Columbia Board of Elections is required to provide D.C. residents incarcerated in the custody of the D.C. Department of Corrections and the federal Bureau of Prisons with voter registration materials.
Am I already registered to vote?
Check your voter registration status here on the DC Board of Elections website.
If you are incarcerated, you can contact the DC Board of Elections at 202-727-2525 or via Corrlinks at outreachspecialist@dcboe.org to confirm that your application was received.
How do I register to vote, update my registration, or change my party affiliation?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can register to vote or update your registration in any of these ways by May 14:
- online here;
- with a registration form. You can get a registration form online, at the DC Board of Elections office, or at most D.C. public libraries. Submit your completed form either by mail (DC Board of Elections, 1015 Half St SE #750, Washington, DC 20003), in person, by fax (202-347-2648), or by email (DCRegistrations@dcboe.org).
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can register to vote or update your registration in any of these ways by May 14:
- online here;
- with a registration form. You can get a registration form online, at the DC Board of Elections office, or at most D.C. public libraries. Submit your completed form either by mail (DC Board of Elections, 1015 Half St SE #750, Washington, DC 20003), in person, by fax (202-347-2648), or by email (DCRegistrations@dcboe.org).
If you miss the May 14 deadline, both U.S. citizens and non-citizens can register when you vote during early voting (May 26–June 2, but not on Memorial Day) or on election day (June 4). Just bring proof of D.C. residency with you (see acceptable documents for citizens here and for non-citizens here) when you go to vote.
If you are incarcerated at the D.C. Jail, you can register to vote or update your registration in any of these ways:
- with a registration form by May 14. You can request a registration form by mail (DC Board of Elections, 1015 Half St SE #750, Washington, DC 20003). Submit your completed application by mail; the office must receive your application by May 14. Contact the DC Board of Elections at 202-727-2525 or via Corrlinks at outreachspecialist@dcboe.org to confirm that your application was received.
- in person when you vote at the D.C. Jail.
If you are incarcerated at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility, you can register to vote or update your registration:
- By contacting the DC Board of Elections at outreachspecialist@dcboe.org via Corrlinks. Contact the DC Board of Elections at 202-727-2525 or via Corrlinks at outreachspecialist@dcboe.org to confirm that your application was received.
People who are incarcerated and who have a disability that makes it hard to vote may email jpenuel@dcboe.org or call collect at (202) 800-6190 to request accommodation.
LEARN ABOUT THE CANDIDATES
Click here to find out where D.C. Council candidates stand on the critical issues affecting justice and freedom in the District – criminal justice reform, our First Amendment rights, D.C. statehood, and freedom from discrimination.
The following D.C. Council races are on the ballot this primary election:
- At-Large Councilmember (represents the whole District on the D.C. Council)
- Ward 2 Councilmember
- Ward 4 Councilmember
- Ward 7 Councilmember
- Ward 8 Councilmember
The following federal races are also on the ballot in this primary election:
- President
- Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives
- U.S. Senator
- U.S. Representative
Click here for a full list of all the candidates on this primary election ballot.
Note: The Presidential line for the Republican party will not be on the ballot in the June primary election since the DC Republican Party held its primary in March.
VOTE
This primary election, you can vote by mail, dropbox, or in-person during early voting (May 26–June 2, closed Memorial Day) or on election day (June 4). All active registered D.C. voters will receive a ballot in the mail. The DC Board of Elections plans to start mailing ballots on April 29.
Vote by mail
All active registered D.C. voters and incarcerated voters who have registered to vote will receive a ballot in the mail. The DC Board of Elections plans to start mailing ballots on April 29. You can track your ballot here.
Complete and sign your ballot (instructions here), and then mail it (paid postage is included) by June 4. The ballot must be postmarked or have some other proof you mailed it by June 4, and it must arrive by June 14. If you can contact the DC Board of Elections at 202-727-2525 or via Corrlinks at outreachspecialist@dcboe.org to confirm that your ballot was received.
Vote by dropbox
All active registered D.C. voters will receive a ballot in the mail. The DC Board of Elections plans to start mailing ballots on April 29. You can track your ballot here.
Dropboxes are tentatively scheduled to open on May 10. Complete and sign your ballot (instructions here), and then drop it in a dropbox (locations here) by 8pm on June 4.
Vote early in person (May 26–June 2, closed Memorial Day, 8:30am–7:00pm)
Go to an Early Vote Center (locations here) between 8:30am–7:00 pm and vote by paper or electronic ballot.
You don’t need to bring any specific form of ID to vote in person, but if you are doing same-day voter registration, bring proof of D.C. residency with you (see acceptable documents for citizens here and for non-citizens here).
Vote in person on election day (June 4, 7:00am–8:00pm)
Go to any Vote Center (locations here) regardless of your address, between 7:00am–8:00pm, and vote by paper or electronic ballot.
You don’t need to bring any specific form of ID to vote in person, but if you are doing same-day voter registration, bring proof of D.C. residency with you (see acceptable documents for citizens here and for non-citizens here).
If you are incarcerated at the D.C. Jail, you can vote in person at the D.C. Jail during voting days.
