Today’s the day, when Americans will cast their ballots to chose the 47th President of the United States. Along with, of course, other local positions and ordinances depending on their local cities and states.
If you haven’t gotten out there yet or just have any questions about voting in D.C., we’ve rounded up some of most-searched election questions to make things a bit easier for you. Happy Voting and good luck!
How do I vote in D.C.?
First, you will need to ensure you are eligible to vote. According to Vote411.org, to be able to vote in D.C. you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- A D.C. resident
- At least 18 years old on or before the election
- Not been adjudged mentally incompetent by a court of law
- Not claiming the right to vote anywhere outside of D.C.
Also in D.C., unlike other areas of the U.S., those who are incarcerated or have criminal records still have the right to vote. “If you are a resident at a DC jail, you can use your DC home address or the address of the DC jail on the registration form if you have been at the DC jail for at least 30 days,” Vote411 states.
As part of U.S. law, you must also be registered to vote. Luckily, in D.C. you can do this right up to Election Day itself.
Is there same day voter registration in D.C.?
Yes, in D.C. are you able to register to vote on Election Day itself. You must provide proof of residence, which can be through a number of items listed on the D.C. Board of Elections (BOE) website from a current and valid District of Columbia DMV issued ID to a utility bill for water, gas, electricity, cable, internet, telephone, or cellular phone service (issued within 90 days of the election).
Simply bring this proof item with you to the polls, and you will then be asked to fill out a Registration Update Form. You will then be issued a regular ballot to vote on.
Where do I vote in D.C / where are the D.C. polling locations?
In D.C., you can vote at any voting location of your choosing. It does not have to be somewhere in the vicinity of your residential address — you can truly vote anywhere. You can see a full map of all available voting locations on the D.C. BOE website.
Also, all early voting centers serve as Election Day voting locations on the day itself (Nov. 5).
When does voting close in D.C.?
Election Day vote centers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m on November 5. That means if you are at least in line by 8 p.m., you can still cast your vote.
Are there any road closures taking place in D.C.?
Our article on 2024 Election Road Closures will continue to be updated, but most recently includes news of Vice President Harris’s Election Night Watch Party on Howard University campus this evening (11/5). This includes a week of road closures from Sunday, Nov. 3 until Sunday, Nov. 10 at 6 a.m. with an “Emergency No Parking” designation:
- Gresham Place from 5th Street to Georgia Avenue, NW
- Girard Street from Georgia Avenue to 6th Street, NW
- Fairmont Street from Georgia Avenue to 6th Street, NW
- Euclid Street from Sherman Avenue to Georgia Avenue, NW
- Howard Place from Georgia Avenue to 6th Street, NW
- Barry Place from Sherman Avenue to Georgia Avenue, NW
- College Street from 6th Street to 4th Street, NW
- 300 block of College Street, NW
- Bryant Street from Georgia Avenue to 2nd Street, NW
- W Street from 9th Street to 8th Street, NW
- W Street from Georgia Avenue to 2nd Street, NW
- V Street from Florida Avenue to Georgia Avenue, NW
- 9th Street from Euclid Street to U Street, NW
- 8th Street from Barry Place to V Street, NW
- Georgia Avenue from Harvard Street to Florida Avenue, NW
- 6th Street from Girard Street to W Street, NW
- 5th Street from V Street to W Street, NW
- 4th Street from V Street to McMillan Drive, NW
How many electoral votes does D.C. get?
Though D.C. is not technically a state, it is part of the U.S.’s Electoral College, earning 3 electoral votes (based on the most recent population census).
Nearby Virginia gets 13, while Maryland has 10.
Are there any watch parties happening tonight?
Yes! If you’re looking for a casual setting to watch live election coverage (and maybe to drink some of your feelings away), there are lots of watch parties and specials taking place across bars and restaurants in D.C. Check out our full Election Day Watch Party Roundup.