WASHINGTON (DC News Now)– Early voting polls officially opened Monday morning in the District and many are making their way to cast their ballot.
“I believe in supporting the civic process. And as a citizen of the United States, especially with people who have fought for this right to vote, that I should be out here,” said D.C. resident Melissa Westbrook.
More than 30,000 have already turned in their mail-in ballots in the District for the general election and many are expected to hit the polls during the Oct. 28 to Nov. 3 early voting period.
“The election is still tight, which I don’t understand. So if there is anything I can do to close the gap, this is the least I can do. I am in support of having potentially the first woman to be our President of the United States,” said D.C. voter Thi-Lai Simpson.
One of the many important things on the ballot is “Initiative 83.” It calls for opening D.C.’s primary elections to independent voters and for ranked-choice voting, allowing voters to rank up to five candidates according to their preference in each race for any office other than political party offices.
“I think actions like that will have an impact on our choices going forward,” said Simpson.
Another big decision Ward 8 residents should look out for on their ballot is the Ward 8 City Council seat between Nate Derenge (R) and Trayon White Sr. (D).
Recently, White pleaded not guilty to federal bribery charges after being accused of accepting thousands of dollars in cash bribes in exchange for helping secure D.C. Government contracts for businesses.
“I think it’s important for people to come out and vote and express their opinions on that,” said Westbrook. “Just come do your civic duty. I think it’s really important.”
How to vote in D.C.?
To vote in D.C., you have to be a U.S. Citizen, a resident of District and at least 17 years old.
People can also register to vote in-person, and vote on the same day. To register, proof of residence such as a government-issued ID or utility bill, that’s not passed 90 days, is required.
Where can I vote early in D.C.?
According to the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, early voting centers will open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday at the following locations.
| Early Voting Center | Ward |
| Columbia Heights Community Center – Gymnasium | 1 |
| Prince Hall Center for the Performing Arts (Masonic Temple) – Ballroom | 1 |
| Georgetown Neighborhood Library | 2 |
| Stead Recreation Center – Multi-Purpose Room | 2 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library – Great Hall | 2 |
| West End Public Library – Meeting Room | 2 |
| Chevy Chase Community Center | 3 |
| Cleveland Park Library – Multi-Purpose Room | 3 |
| University of the District of Columbia – Student Center | 3 |
| Takoma Community Center | 4 |
| Raymond Recreation Center – Gymnasium | 4 |
| Emery Heights Community Center – Gymnasium | 4 |
| Turkey Thicket Recreation Center – Gymnasium | 5 |
| Woodridge Neighborhood Library | 5 |
| Walker-Jones MS/RH Terrell Recreation Center – Gymnasium | 6 |
| King Greenleaf Recreation Center | 6 |
| Sherwood Recreation Center – Gymnasium | 6 |
| Benning Stoddert Recreation Center – Gymnasium | 7 |
| Deanwood Recreation Center – Gymnasium | 7 |
| Hillcrest Recreation Center – Gymnasium | 7 |
| Rosedale Recreation Center – Gymnasium | 7 |
| Bald Eagle Recreation Center – Gymnasium | 8 |
| Arthur Capper Community Center – Gymnasium | 8 |
| Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center – Gymnasium | 8 |
| Fort Stanton Recreation Center – Gymnasium | 8 |
If you are mailing your vote, the ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 5 and can be dropped off at these locations.
