Complete Back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

The District of Columbia allows you to use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) for voting in primary, special, and general elections for Federal and local offices and non-candidate ballot issues. Feel free to use the FWAB to vote anytime before an election.

Open Back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

(Opens in a new window and requires Adobe Reader 7)

What do I fill in?

Only the following blocks of the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation are required:

Block 1: The District of Columbia allows you to use this form for registration. It must be submitted by the registration deadline.

Block 2: Select the category that describes you.

Block 3: Name (Last, First, Middle)

Block 4: Date of Birth

Enter your valid D.C. Driver's License number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, OR your voter registration number.

Block 5: Recommended but not required. Provide your contact information to allow the District of Columbia to follow up if more information is required.

Block 7: Complete street address of your D.C. voting residence. A post office box is not sufficient. This address must be within the District of Columbia where you claim legal voting residence.

Block 8: Complete address where you want your ballot sent, usually where you live now.

Block 9: Provide any information that may assist the local election official in accepting this ballot or application.

Affirmation: Sign and date. No witness or notary required.

Once the ballot is complete, fold and place it in the security envelope and seal. Place only the voted ballot in the security envelope and do not write on the security envelope. Insert the sealed security envelope and the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation into the mailing envelope and seal.

Envelope Templates

Open Security Envelope Template

Open Postage-Paid Envelope Template

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The postage-paid envelope may be used in the U.S. postal system which includes: all U.S. Military Post Offices (APO/FPO) overseas or through the diplomatic pouch available at U.S. Embassies/Consulates

Mail

If you choose to mail your back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, you must send it to:

The District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics
441 4th Street, N.W. Suite 250
Washington, D.C. 20001-2745

Fax

If you choose to fax, it is recommended that you fax the form directly to District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics at: 202-347-2648. You may also use our toll-free fax service:

Inside the U.S.? Fax to:
1-800-368-8683
(703)-693-5527
DSN 223-5527

Outside the U.S.? Show me a list of toll-free fax numbers

Open Fax Coversheet

(Opens in a new window and requires Adobe Reader 7)

Email

If you choose to email, email the signed, scanned form directly to your local election official. The email address is uocava@dcboee.org. You may also use our Electronic Transmission Service by sending the form as an attachment to ets@fvap.gov.

Open Fax/Email Coversheet

(Opens in a new window and requires Adobe Reader 7)

• Want to submit your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot by fax or email? Remember that by faxing your voted ballot you are waiving your right to secrecy.
• If using our Electronic Transmission Service you must use the Fax Coversheet.
• If you receive your State absentee ballot after submitting your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, fill it out and return it. The State absentee ballot will be counted instead of the back-up ballot if it's received in time.