Civic Ladder · DC

District of Columbia civic guide

The laws and deadlines that matter when you want to change something in District of Columbia: how to get public records, how public meetings work, and how to vote.

Your 2026 election

General election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Register by: Online Oct 13 · Mail Oct 13 · In person at vote centers through Nov 3
Same-day registration: Yes, at vote centers during early voting and on Election Day
Early voting: Oct 26 – Nov 1
Statewide ballot measures: 1 on the ballot
Ban force-feeding birds for foods like foie gras (Initiative 86)
See every measure on the official list ↗
Titles as listed by official sources. Read the full text and the official summary before you vote.

🗳️ Make my voting plan Official election site ↗

Public records

Anyone can ask a government agency for copies of its records. You usually don't have to say why.

Law: D.C. Freedom of Information Act of 1974
Citation: D.C. Code § 2-531 et seq.
First response deadline: 15 business days; up to 10 more in unusual circumstances (§ 2-532)

Write a records request for District of Columbia →

Open meetings

Most government boards must meet in public and post notice ahead of time.

Law: D.C. Open Meetings Act
Citation: D.C. Code §§ 2-571 to 2-580

Recording conversations

One-party consent

This is about recording conversations. Recording officials in public is a separate question that courts decide case by case.

More to know

Pre-registration age (sign up before 18): Age 16
Ballot initiatives: Local initiative and referendum on D.C. laws (Congress can still review them)

What's bugging you in District of Columbia?

Pick an issue and we'll show you who handles it and help you write to them.

Start on Civic Ladder →Learn the skills

Sources

General civic information, not legal advice. Laws and deadlines change; confirm with the official office. Election details as researched 2026-10-17.