Accessing Our Democracy Initiative

Overview

Our Jewish tradition is clear about the role of choice and democratic process when it comes to selecting our leaders: “A ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted” (Babylonian Talmud Berachot 55a).

Ensuring a strong, healthy democracy is crucial to the safety and wellbeing of all people, but particularly Jews, as a minority group.

Democracy thrives when everyone has access to it – whether through voting, advocating for issues important to them, or directly running for office. This initiative is meant to help everyone access our democracy, regardless of political affiliation.

The Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center does not support or oppose candidates for public office, nor take a stand for or against any political party. We encourage active and informed participation in American democracy.

DC Election FAQ

Do you have your plan to vote in the upcoming election? Learn more below!

Both US citizens and non-citizens can vote in the DC Primary!

Due to the passage of the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022, non-citizen DC residents may now vote in local elections held in the District of Columbia.

This means non-citizens can vote for the following offices:

Mayor
Chairman or member of the Council
Attorney General
Member of the State Board of Education
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC)

Check your voter registration status here.

Both US citizens and non-citizens can register on site when you vote during early voting or on election day. Just bring proof of DC residency with you (see acceptable documents for citizens here and for non-citizens here) when you go to vote.

Early voting: October 28–November 3; Vote Centers open 8:30 AM–7:00 PM
Election Day: Tuesday, November 5

VOTE BY MAIL OR MAIL BALLOT DROP BOX

Every active voter registered with one of the three major parties (Democratic, Republican, or DC Statehood Green) will be mailed a ballot for the November 5, 2024, General Election.
Mail Ballot Drop Box: Voters can return a voted ballot using any of the 55 Mail Ballot Drop Boxes located throughout the District of Columbia.
US Postal Service: Voted ballots returned via the US Postal Service must be postmarked by November 5, 2024, and received by November 15, 2024.
Vote Center: Voters can return a voted ballot to any Vote Center during hours of operation

Track your mailed-in ballot here to ensure it was received.

VOTE IN PERSON

You can cast your ballot in person at any Vote Center, regardless of your residential address.
During Early Voting, voters can vote at ANY of the 25 Early Vote Centers.
On November 5, voters may vote at ANY of the 75 Primary Election Day Vote Centers (See a list of the Vote Centers further down on this page

Registered voters do not need to show ID in order to vote in person. If you are doing same-day voter registration, you need to bring proof of DC residency with you (see acceptable documents for citizens here and for non-citizens here)

The following D.C. Council races are on the ballot this primary election:

At-Large Councilmember (represents the whole District on the DC Council, so everyone should vote)
Ward 2, 4, 7, and 8 Councilmembers (only residents of each ward will vote for their own ward in these elections)

The following federal races are also on the ballot in this primary election:

President
Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Senator
U.S. Representative

Find Your Polling Place

DC Polling PlaceS

Maryland polling places

virginia polling places

DC Politics 101

The DC Council is here to serve you! The Council is made up of thirteen elected members: one representative from each of the eight wards, four at-large members, and one chairman.

Find your Councilmember by visiting dccouncil.gov and entering your street address at the bottom of the page.

DC residents may register and vote at the same time during Early Voting or on Election Day.
On Election Day, voters may cast their ballot at at any vote center, regardless of their residential address.
DC residents who are not US citizens may vote in local elections, including for the office of Mayor, for members of the Council, on initiatives and referendums, and more.

Learn More

5 Tools to Find and Vet Accurate News

Media Literacy Resources

What is “Transpartisanship”

throw a get out the vote postcard party

Take Action

Become an election protection volunteer

The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition works so all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend your right to vote. There’s a role for everyone, whether it’s helping voters from home, assisting voters in person, or tracking online disinformation.

Poll workers play a crucial role in ensuring the strength and integrity of the voting process. Many election officials struggle to recruit enough poll workers with the technological and language skills necessary to staff polling places during early voting or on Election Day. Tasks may vary, but generally, poll workers prepare the polling place and voting machines, greet and check-in voters, issue ballots, ensure order in the lines, and assist voters as needed, among other tasks.