District of Columbia (DC)

Eligibility

Age: 18 (may pre-register at 16)

ID Requirements

To Register: DC driver's license or DMV-issued ID number, or last 4 of SSN. If neither, leave blank; must show ID when first voting (government-issued photo ID, utility bill within 90 days, bank statement, paycheck, or government document with name and address). For same-day registration, proof of residency required (university housing statements and off-campus leases explicitly accepted).

To Vote: ID not required for registered voters (first-time voters who registered by mail may need ID)

Registration Methods

• Online: Residents can submit a voter registration application electronically through the state's website, rather than by mail or in person.
• Mail: Residents can register to vote by completing a paper registration form and submitting it by mail to the appropriate election office.
• In Person: Residents can register to vote by visiting a designated government office, such as a county clerk's office or DMV, and completing a registration form on site.

Early Voting ⓘ

A period before Election Day during which voters can cast their ballots in person at designated polling locations. The length of the early voting period varies by state.

Early voting begins 8 days before election day at designated vote centers.

Mail-In / Absentee Voting ⓘ

A voting method where ballots are automatically mailed to all registered voters without requiring a specific request. States that use this approach conduct elections primarily or entirely by mail.

All registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot. No excuse required.

Felony Voting Rules ⓘ

State laws governing whether and when people with felony convictions can vote. Policies range from no restrictions to permanent disenfranchisement, with most states restoring rights at some point after sentencing.

No disenfranchisement. Incarcerated individuals may vote (DC restored voting rights for all citizens regardless of conviction status in 2020).

Documentation Needed

• DC DMV ID number or last 4 of SSN
• Proof of residency for same-day registration

Additional Notes

DC allows incarcerated individuals to vote. As a federal district, DC residents have no voting representation in Congress.

Sources

• District of Columbia Official Election Website
• Vote.org - District of Columbia