 |
D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
 |
Title 3. ELECTIONS AND ETHICS |
|
Chapter 3-7. ELECTION PROCEDURES |
Section 3-717. ABSENTEE BALLOTS
-
717.1Except as provided in this chapter, a duly registered voter may make a written request for an absentee ballot electronically, by mail, or in person at the Board’s office.
717.2A duly registered voter may request absentee ballots for all elections in the current calendar year.
717.3Except as provided in § 719, no person shall be permitted to obtain an absentee ballot or execute an application for an absentee ballot for another registered voter.
717.4A mailed or electronically received request for an absentee ballot shall be received from the registered voter by no later than the seventh (7th) day preceding the date of the election.
717.5A request for an absentee ballot shall include the following:
(a) The voter’s name;
(b) Election(s) for which the absentee ballot is requested;
(c) Address from which the voter is registered to vote;
(d) Voter’s current residence address, if different from the address listed on the Board’s records;
(e) Address to which the absentee ballot shall be delivered, if applicable;
(f) Voter’s DMV-issued identification number, the last four (4) digits of the voter’s social security number, or the voter’s unique voter identification number issued by the Board;
(g) Voter’s date of birth; and
(h) Voter’s original signature.
717.6An absentee ballot request sent electronically will be considered to contain an original signature.
717.7Each absentee ballot request that is submitted through the Board’s digital voter service system shall be executed by an electronic signature provided directly to the Board by the applicant.
717.8If an applicant submits an absentee ballot request through the Board’s digital voter service system, but does not provide an electronic signature directly to the Board in accordance with § 717.7, the Board shall request, and the DMV shall furnish, an electronic copy of the applicant’s signature for the purpose of executing the request submitted for acceptance and approval, provided the applicant:
(a) Provides his or her DMV-issued identification number; and
(b) Affirmatively consents to the use of that signature as the signature for the request submitted.
717.9A duly registered elector may request an absentee ballot in person not earlier than fifteen (15) days preceding the election.
717.10If a duly registered voter who requests an absentee ballot by mail provides a residence address that is different from the residence address listed on the Board’s records, the application to vote absentee shall also be considered a request for a change of address.
717.11Prior to returning the voted absentee ballot to the Board, a voter shall confirm the accuracy of his or her name, address, party affiliation, and ANC Single-Member District, where applicable, as it appears on the Board’s records by signing either the absentee ballot envelope, or if voting an absentee ballot in person, the poll book or other record prescribed by the Board. Such signature shall be deemed an affirmation that the voter’s information is correct as shown on the Board’s records.
717.12An absentee ballot may be returned to the Board by any of the following ways:
(a) Mail;
(b) Brought to any polling place for deposit in the special ballot box on Election Day; or
(c) Delivered to the Board’s office at any time before the close of the polls on Election Day.
717.13All mailed (postmarked and non-postmarked) absentee ballots shall be received no later than 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election.
717.14During the period for in-person absentee voting, the Board shall be open from the third Monday preceding Election Day through the Saturday before Election Day (except legal holidays), from 8: 30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
717.15A duly registered voter who was mailed an absentee ballot and attempts to vote on Election Day or at an early voting center shall vote by special ballot.
717.16An absentee ballot shall be counted as being cast in the ward and precinct where the voter resides, provided that the voter signs the absentee ballot envelope to certify that the voter has voted the ballot and has not voted in any other jurisdiction or in any other manner in the election.
717.17Pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 1-1001.09 (2014 Repl.), no employee of the Board shall reveal the name(s) of the candidate(s) for whom an individual has voted or whether an individual voted for or against any initiative, referendum, or recall measure, or Charter amendment. Any employee who violates this section may, upon conviction, be subject to a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) fine or imprisonment up to five (5) years, or both, pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 1-1001.14(a) (2014 Repl.).