DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

CONDUCTING A VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE

Voter Registration Deadlines

  • Applications to preregister before Election Day submitted by mail, online, or through a registration drive must be received 21 days before Election Day. Any received after the deadline will not be processed until after Election Day. Applicants may also register in person at early voting centers and at their polling place on Election Day.

Getting Started

Training Requirement: The District of Columbia does not require training for registration drives.

Notification and Registration Requirements: The District of Columbia does not have notification requirements for registration drives.

Compensation Restrictions: Do not pay registration drive participants based on how many registrations they collect.

The D.C. Board of Elections’ Voter Education and Outreach Division (DCBOE VEOD) can provide voter registration training, voter registration and educational materials, and, schedule permitting, can attend voter registration drives and community events. Requests for training, materials and supplies should be made at least 48 hours before the date of the event. Contact them at outreach@dcboe.org and learn more at dcboe.org/faqs/community-outreach.

Obtaining Applications

District Form: District of Columbia voter registration applications can be obtained in quantities up to 250 applications from the Board of Elections at 1015 Half St SE, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20003. To request applications you must complete and submit a request for them or download them from here: dcboe.org/voters/register-to-vote/register-update-voter-registration

Federal Form: The federal mail-in voter registration application may also be used in voter registration drives: eac.gov/voters/national-mail-voter-registration-form/

Photocopying Blank Forms: Forms may be photocopied and used in voter registration drives.

Handling Applications

Incomplete Applications: An individual or organization conducting a voter registration drive may assist in filling out a registration application if the applicant requests help.

If a person cannot sign or mark their application due to disability, DC requires an individual who assists the applicant submit a signed Signature Attestation Form with the completed application. This form must attest that he or she provided assistance to the applicant, read or explained the information contained on the application including the information regarding the penalties for perjury to the applicant, and that the applicant is unable to sign his or her name. A Signature Attestation Form can be found in the “Other Forms and Resources” section under the “Voters” heading on this page: dcboe.org/data,-maps,-forms/forms-and-resources

Photocopying Completed Applications: There is no law or rule prohibiting photocopying or retaining information from completed registration applications. A voter’s date of birth, signature, full or partial Social Security Number, and driver’s license number should be removed before copying any application.

Submitting Completed Applications: Submit applications before or by 21 days before Election Day.

Fair Elections Center and its Campus Vote Project intend the information contained herein to be used only as a general guide. This document should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a licensed District of Columbia legal professional.

Last updated May 2026

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