Two local churches are teaming up with the League of Women Voters and the District’s Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Stacey Lincoln for a “Procrastinators’ Voter Registration Drive” this weekend.
The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 6 general election in the District of Columbia and Maryland is Tuesday, Oct. 16. The registration drive will be held Sunday, Oct. 14 from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Shepherd Park Christian Church, with assistance from DSK Mariam Church, at 7900 Eastern Ave., N.W.
Volunteers will be available to assist with forms, registering online, making changes to registrations, checking registration status, absentee ballots, locating voting precincts and voting locations, etc., and will have voter guides for all jurisdictions.
Amharic and Spanish speakers will be on hand and refreshments will be available. Virginia voters are also welcome to attend and register prior to the state’s Oct. 15 registration deadline.
Voters who reside in Maryland and miss the registration deadline can take advantage of same-day registration and voting during the early voting period. Early voting will run from Oct. 25-Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at eleven Montgomery County locations.
To register and vote during early voting, go to an early voting center in the county with a document that proves residency. The document can be a Motor Vehicle Administration-issued license, ID card, or change of address card, or a paycheck, bank statement, utility bill, or other government document with name and address. This will allow residents to register and vote.
Also, Maryland voters are assigned to a specific polling place due to different local contests on the ballot. However, in some situations, such as accessibility concerns or religious principles, voters can request a different polling place.
All county polling places are compliant with Maryland State Board of Elections accessibility guidelines. However, voters should contact the Board of Elections with any concerns about any accessibility issues for a specific disability.
If a voter’s assigned polling place is a religious institution, and entering that site conflicts with religious beliefs and practices, the voter may request a nearby polling place. Reassignment request forms are available from the State Board of Elections, by calling Christine Rzeszut at 240.777.8585, or by email. The request must be received by 9 p.m. Oct. 16 for the general election.
If a substitute polling place with the same contests on the ballot is not available, voters can vote at an early voting center or by mail. For information on voting by mail, call 240-777-8550, or email [email protected]. The application for a ballot by mail must be received by Oct. 30.
For other election information, call 240-777-VOTE or visit www.777vote.org.