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Become a Poll Worker Today

It’s never too early to help democracy! By signing up to be a poll worker, you can ensure that all voters—including voters with disabilities, voters who need language assistance, and voters who want to cast their ballot in person—have a positive experience at the polls. Sign up today!

To be eligible to vote you must be:

  • A U.S. citizen
  • A D.C. resident
  • At least 18 years old on or before the election (16-year-olds may preregister but will not receive a voter registration card or be eligible to vote until they are at least 17 years old with a birth date that is before the next General election)
  • Not been adjudged mentally incompetent by a court of law
  • Not claiming the right to vote anywhere outside DC.

Non-US Citizen Resident of the District of Columbia

Starting in 2024, non-citizen residents who meet certain qualifications are eligible to vote in local elections that take place in the District of Columbia. These elections include voting for the positions of Mayor, Attorney General, members of the DC Council, members of the State Board of Education, or Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners. Non-citizens are also allowed to vote on measures such as initiative, referendum, recall, or charter amendment that appear on DC ballots. However, it's important to note that non-citizens are not permitted to vote for federal offices.

To register to vote, you must:

  • be at least 17 years old and turn 18 before Election Day
  • be a DC resident for at least 30 days before the election to vote
  • not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court of law
  • not claim the right to vote anywhere outside DC

Non-U.S. Citizen Resident of the District of Columbia Voter Registration Application


Incarcerated Voters & Returning Citizens: 

In DC, those with criminal records never lose the right to vote. If you are incarcerated, regardless of the offense, you can vote. You can vote if you are under court supervision or residing at a halfway house after release. 

When registering to vote, residents of the DC Jail can provide either their DC home address or the address of the DC Jail if they have resided there for a minimum of 30 days. Those serving time in a federal facility can use their DC home address for registration. 

Voters without traditional residence: 

Citizens don't need a "permanent home" for voter registration. A citizen can provide an alternative description of their residence, even if they are experiencing homelessness, as long as it enables the authorities to identify and assign a voting precinct. This precinct assignment ensures that the voter receives the appropriate ballot. The mailing address on their registration form can be a PO box, local shelter, advocacy organization, outreach center, or the home of someone who will accept mail for them. 

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