Elections are right around the corner. If you’re in DC or Virginia, have you requested your ballot?
Stock image stock photo from Alexandru Nika/Shutterstock.
It’s primary season! There are elections in DC on June 2 (and 16), Maryland on June 2, and Virginia on June 23. Because voting in person risks spreading coronavirus further, many jurisdictions are shifting to voting by mail. Here’s what you need to know.
Deadlines to know
The last day to request a ballot for DC’s June 2 primary is May 26. For Ward 2 voters there’s also a special election on June 16. The last day to request your ballot for the June 16 special election is also May 26.
Maryland will be mailing out ballots to registered residents, so there is no need to request one. All voted ballots must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, June 2. People who won’t receive it at the regular address can request an absentee ballot by May 26 receive a ballot by mail or and May 29 to get it electronically.
Virginia is holding special elections as well as regular elections for a number of city and town seats on May 19. Town elections for Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville in Loudoun County will be held on June 4. Primary elections in Virginia will be held on June 23. Click here to request an absentee ballot.
Arlington will have its special election on July 7. The deadline for voter registration is June 23. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is June 30.
How to request your ballot
In DC, you can use iOS or Android apps to access an absentee ballot form that can be completed digitally or by hand then scanned, emailed, faxed, or mailed to the board of elections. You can also call 202-727-2525 or email dcabsentee@vote4dc.com to get a form sent in the mail.
Election day is June 2. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by June 2 and must be received by June 9 to be counted.
In Maryland, click here to request an absentee ballot.
In Virginia, you must apply for an absentee ballot 45 days prior to an election. They have an extensive “reasons list” to apply. Click here to apply for an absentee ballot.
What’s on the ballot
The most talked-about elections in DC are the Democratic primaries for DC council seats, in Ward 2, Ward 4, Ward 7, Ward 8, and for incumbent councilmember Robert White’s at-large seat. GGWash has published questionnaire responses from candidates in each of these elections.
Images provided by candiates' campaigns.
We’ve endorsed the following candidates:
- Patrick Kennedy in Ward 2
- Janeese Lewis George in Ward 4
- Incumbent Vincent Gray in Ward 7
- Mike Austin and Trayon White in Ward 8
- Robert White for reelection to his at-large seat
Also on the Democratic ballot are selections for our “shadow” senator and representative. Paul Strauss and Oye Owolewa are, respectively, running for these seats.
Because DC has closed primaries, and the majority of its voters are Democrats, GGWash has not covered the Republican primaries or their candidates.
DC’s voter guide is here. Here’s a list of all the candidates on the ballot, and the seats that they’re running for.
For Arlington County Board, we endorsed Takis Karantonis. We also recently wrote about the Montgomery County School board race and the Town of Vienna mayoral contest. We hope to cover elections in Baltimore soon.
Request your ballot now! If you’ve already requested your ballot, make sure all your friends have requested their ballot. Get all your neighbors to request their ballots. The safest way to vote will be by mail, and requesting your ballot in time to do so is the most important thing you can do to get involved in DC today.