Casting your Vote

Mail Ballot Instructions

Check that you have all the contents of your Mail Ballot Packet. You should have received the following items:

  • Your Ballot (1)
  • A Secrecy Sleeve (2)
  • A Postage Prepaid Return Ballot Envelope (3)
  • An Instruction Sheet with “I Voted” Sticker (4)
IMPORTANT: Make sure you have the ballot that reflects your correct Ward. If you have the wrong ballot, contact us immediately at 1-866-DCVOTES (1-866-328-6837).
Read the ballot instructions carefully.

Vote your ballot with a blue or black ink pen by filling in the oval to the left of your choice completely:

Hand with Pen Filling Oval
 
  • You do not have to vote every contest on the ballot.
  • If you wish to vote for an individual whose name is not printed on the ballot, you may write in that individual’s name on the blank “write-in” line and fill in the oval to the left of that line. 
  • If you make a mistake on your ballot or misplace your voting materials, contact us IMMEDIATELY at 1-866-DCVOTES (1-866-328-6837) to discuss your options.
refold.pngRefold your voted ballot and place it into the Secrecy Sleeve. Please DO NOT fold the ballot to make it fit inside the Secrecy Sleeve. Ballot is wider than the Secrecy Sleeve to facilitate ballot tabulation.
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Please DO NOT fold the ballot to make it fit inside the Secrecy Sleeve.

insert.pngPlace the Secrecy Sleeve into the postage prepaid Return Ballot Envelope. (Only your ballot can be placed inside the Return Ballot Envelope. If the Return Ballot Envelope contains additional ballots other than yours, none of the ballots will be counted.
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IMPORTANT: Sign and date the Voter’s Oath on the back of the Return Ballot Envelope. You MUST sign the Voter’s Oath in order for your vote to count!
 
We will contact you if there is an issue with your signature.

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  • Seal the Return Ballot Envelope flap.

  • Return your voted ballot 

  • Please DO NOT use tape to seal the envelope!

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO FIRST TIME VOTERS WHO REGISTERED BY MAIL OR ON LINE
Under federal and District of Columbia law, you are required to provide following ID documents with your voted mail ballot:
  • A copy of a current and valid government‐issued photo ID; OR
  • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government‐issued document that shows your name and address. The issue, bill, or statement date must be no earlier than ninety (90) days before the election.
PLACE A COPY OF YOUR ID DOCUMENT INSIDE THE RETURN BALLOT ENVELOPE.
If you do not provide a copy of your ID document with your voted ballot, your ballot will be treated as a special (provisional) ballot, and will not be counted unless you submit a copy of your ID to the Board of Elections.
 
If you have questions regarding this requirement, please contact us at 866‐328‐6837.