Media

Media Guidelines

Media and Public Information Request Guidelines

Media and public information requests can be submitted to the DCBOE by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]. FOIA requests may be submitted to [email protected]. Additional contact information is available at https://www.dcboe.org/contact/. 

Media/Public Information requests should include the following:

  • Specific questions and/or documents requested. Be as specific as possible.
  • Deadline for publication and media outlet
  • Contact email and/or phone number

The DCBOE prefers that public information requests and media questions be submitted in writing.  Requests are most often answered in the order in which they are received and those with immediate deadlines from official media publications may be considered higher priority. 

Response time and answers available for public release may vary depending on competing deadlines, external and internal factors, and readily available information. Opinions or comments that require information from DCBOE leadership may require additional time.

In addition, inquiries may be converted to the FOIA requests as needed or as determined by the FOIA officer and/or Communications Director.  The requester will be notified if such need arises and FOIA deadlines will apply. Additional information and how to submit FOIA requests is available on our website, https://www.dcboe.org/open-government,-reports,-foia/foia-requests. 

Please note: the FOIA statute does not require DCBOE to answer written questions or to create/compile new records in response to requests for written information. We do strive to provide any existing records that can be disclosed that could be considered responsive to the questions within the timeframe that the statute mandates.

Guidelines for the Media at the Vote Centers (You may download the guidelines as PDF)

The DC Board of Elections provides the following guidelines for orderly conduct to protect the rights of all participants in the voting process.

GUIDELINES FOR COVERING ACTIVITY AT THE VOTE CENTER 

  • When you arrive at a Vote Center, contact the Site Coordinator - they are in charge of the Vote Center, and must keep a record of all visitors. Please show your media credentials to the Site Coordinator as you enter the Vote Center. 
  • Although you may take pictures in the Vote Center during voting hours, you may not compromise the privacy of voters’ ballots. Photographs and camera footage should be taken with a wide-angle lens and should not capture the ballot or any of the voters’ selections. Generally, the use of video and/or still cameras is permissible as long as such use is not disruptive and does not interfere with voting.
  • DCBOE asks that you ensure that the intended subject of any proposed photograph has agreed to have their picture taken.
  • You are permitted inside the Vote Center for media coverage only. Please leave promptly once your work is complete.
  • Do not talk to any voter who is in the process of checking in or casting a ballot. During other times, you may converse with voters inside the Vote Center, but you may NOT:
    • Wear any campaign buttons, stickers, or insignia;
    • Hand out any campaign literature;
    • Support or discourage support of any candidate or measure on the ballot; or
    • Impede the voting process or obstruct the Vote Center staff.

GUIDELINES FOR EXIT POLLING

  • Question only those individuals leaving the Vote Center.
  • Be sure to tell people that responding to questions is purely voluntary.
  • Do not interfere in any way with access to the Vote Center.
  • Do not position yourself within a 50-foot radius of the Vote Center entrance unless you have written permission from DCBOE to be closer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact Sarah Graham, Director of Communications, at:

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