Casting your Vote

Voting by Live Ballot

You may cast a live ballot if you complete a Same-Day Registration with proper proof of residence, change your address at your assigned precinct, or update your name at your assigned precinct.

Same-Day Registration

If you are not registered to vote, you may do so at any vote center providing that you show acceptable proof of residence. Acceptable forms of proof of residence include:

  • Current and valid District of Columbia DMV issued ID
  • Government check or paycheck*
  • Bank statement*
  • Current utility bill*
  • Student housing statement/tuition bill
  • Homeless shelter occupancy statement
  • Lease
  • Other government document with your name and address

* The issue, bill, or statement date must be within 90 days of Election Day

Note: The address on the proof of residence document must match the residence address listed on your registration application.

After providing acceptable proof of residence, you will be asked to complete a Registration Update Form which will be returned to DCBOE following the election. Once you have completed the Registration Update form, you will be issued a live (regular) ballot.

You should receive an updated Voter Registration Card with your up-to-date information within six to eight weeks of Election Day. 

If you do not provide an acceptable proof of residence, you will be required to vote a Special Ballot and will have until 5:00 pm on the Thursday following Election Day to present acceptable proof of residence to the Board in order to have your Special Ballot counted.

If you wish to change your address during early voting or on Election Day, you may do so at any vote center. You must update your information and provide acceptable proof of residence. Acceptable forms of proof of residence include:

  • Current and valid District of Columbia DMV-issued ID
  • Government check or paycheck*
  • Bank statement*
  • Current utility bill*
  • Student housing statement/tuition bill
  • Homeless shelter occupancy statement
  • Lease
  • Other government document with your name and address

* The issue, bill, or statement date must be within 90 days of Election Day

Note: The address on the proof of residence document must match the residence address listed on your Registration Update Form.

After providing acceptable proof of residence, you will be asked to complete a Registration Update Form which will be returned to DCBOE. Once you have completed the Registration Update form, you will be issued a live (regular) ballot.

You should receive an updated Voter Registration Card with your up-to-date information within six to eight weeks of Election Day. 

If you do not provide acceptable proof of residence, you will be required to vote a Special Ballot and will have until 5:00 pm on the Thursday following Election Day to present acceptable proof of residence to the Board in order to have your Special Ballot counted.

If  you need to update your name on Election Day, you may do so at any Vote Center. You are not required to provide proof of residence in order to update your name. You will be asked to complete the Registration Update Form. Once the Registration Update Form is completed, you will be issued a live (regular) ballot.