Local Resources (Washington, D.C.)
How to register to vote in DC
Why vote?
Get out the vote!
Key 2008 election dates
Offices on the 2008 ballot

 
Voting in the District of Columbia

 

The Arc of the United States

How to register to vote in DC

** Voter Registration Forms are also available at any Public Library, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), U.S. Post Offices and other DC government offices.

Why Vote?

Just like everyone else, people with disabilities are significantly affected by the decisions of our local government and elected officials. However, people with disabilities have traditionally been underrepresented at the polls, and among registered voters.

District of Columbia Disability Population and Voting

 Residents with Disabilities  115,980
 % of Total Population  21.9
 Voting-Aged Population (VAP) with Disabilities  106,809
 % of VAP  23.4
 Source: American Association of People with Disabilities


In an effort to increase voting among people with disabilities, Federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Help Americans Vote Act (HAVA) were enacted in order to free polling places of barriers and to create a more inclusive and accessible voting process for individuals with disabilities.

2008 is a Presidential election year, and November 4, 2008 is a tremendous opportunity for individuals with disabilities, along with our families, friends, neighbors and activists, to mobilize as a community to make our voices heard. Together, we can advocate for a government that is committed to the concept of inclusion and is respectful of all individuals who wish to participate equally within the community, despite their disability.

Get out the vote!

DC residents with disabilities can break the trend of under representation at the polls, and November is only 8 months away so it’s time to get prepared! Here are the things you need to do before you go out to the polls to represent the disability community on November 4, 2008:
  • Be sure your registration is up to date.
  • Check your registration status at www.dcboee.org
  • To participate this November, you must be registered by October 6, 2008.
  • Register to vote by obtaining a mail-in form at www.dcboee.org or pick up a form at any local library, DMV or DC government office.
  • Check your polling place location at www.dcboee.org or contact your local clerk.
  • If you cannot make it to the polls, send in an absentee ballot by obtaining a mail-in form at www.dcboee.org. If sent by mail, absentee ballots must be post-marked on or before Election Day. If hand-delivered, absentee ballots can be delivered to any polling place or Board of Elections office by 8:00pm on Election Day.
  • Get informed: Find the candidate in this election that best represents you!
Key 2008 Election and Registeration Dates
  • September 9, 2008 - Congressional and Council Primary
    • Deadline to Register to Vote - August 11, 2008
    • Deadline to Request Mail Absentee Ballot - September 2, 2008

  • November 4, 2008 - Presidential, Congressional and Council General Election
    • Deadline to Register to Vote - October 6, 2008
    • Deadline to Request Mail Absentee Ballot - October 28, 2008

Offices on the 2008 Ballot
  • Partisan Offices (have both Primary and General Elections)
    • President and Vice President of the United States
    • Delegate to the House of Representatives
    • 1 United States Senator (Shadow Senator)
    • 1 At-Large Members of the DC Council
    • 4 Ward Members of the DC Council (Wards 2, 4, 7 & 8)

  • Non partisan Offices (General Election Only)
    • District Member of the State Board of Education, Wards 1-8 (eight to be elected)
    • At-Large Member of the Board of Education
    • 286 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners