WASHINGTON — If you live in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia and still have not registered to vote, it's not too late. Residents of the DMV can register to vote as late as Election Day.
The rules vary from place to place so let's break down the requirements before you head to the poll. One thing both states and the District require is, if you are registering on Election Day it must be at your assigned election day polling place.
Those registering on the same day will receive a provisional ballot. Those ballots will be counted after the election, once approved by the electoral board. This is to ensure that people are not voting in multiple jurisdictions.
D.C.:
Voters must bring in proof of residency with their name and address.
Acceptable proof of residency includes:
- A copy of a current and valid government-issued photo identification
- A utility bill for water, gas, electricity, cable, internet, telephone, or cellular phone service issued no earlier than 90 days before the election
- A savings, checking, credit, or money market account statement from a bank or credit union issued no earlier than 90 days before the election
- A paycheck, stub, or earning statement that includes the employer’s name, address, and telephone number and was issued no earlier than 90 days before the election
- A government-issued document or check from a federal or District agency, other than the Board of Elections, issued no earlier than 90 days before the election
- A current residential lease or rental agreement
- An occupancy statement from a District homeless shelter issued no earlier than 90 days before the election
- A tuition or housing bill from a District of Columbia college or university issued for the current academic or housing term
Maryland:
Voters must bring proof of residency within the state to their assigned polling location.
Acceptable forms of residency include:
- MVA-issued state driver's license or ID
- Change of address card
- Paystub
- Bank statement
- Utility Bill
Virginia:
The Commonwealth recently changed its law allowing residents to register and vote on the same day in 2022. So the process is different than D.C. and Maryland.
Those seeking to register same day will be given a provisional ballot. These ballots are given to those who aren't on the list of registered voters in their polling location.
Once you vote, you will be given a notice with a date and time when the local electoral board will meet to make a decision regarding your provisional ballot. If there are no issues with your registration application, your ballot will be counted.
If your ballot is not counted, you will receive a letter from your general registrar.
Convicted Felons:
If you are a Maryland resident and convicted felon, you are allowed to vote once you have served and completed your sentence. In D.C. you're allowed to vote from prison, as long as you are registered to vote you never lose your voter rights.
In Virginia however, once you are a convicted felon you permanently lose your right to vote. The only way for it to be restored is by the Governor, upon request.