Absentee voting is available and no excuse is required. Requests for Mail-in-Ballots must be received no later than the 15th day before each election. Your absentee ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted. You can check the status of your absentee ballot here.

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 did not provide any ID at 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.