Tuesday, June 4, is the last day to vote in the Washington, D.C., primary election. Democrats will cast their ballots for the presidential nominee, and all voters will choose their local and congressional primary nominees.

Republicans already held their presidential primary to comply with party rules. However, there are several candidates running in district races.

Given the district’s strong Democratic tilt — President Joe Biden won the district with 92% of the vote in 2020 — Tuesday’s Democratic primary winners are likely to be elected in November, putting the focus on the Council of the District of Columbia race where there are five contested seats.

Candidates for the district council need the highest number of votes to win rather than a majority of them, so every vote counts today. In Ward 7, there are 10 candidates trying to replace retiring Councilman Vincent Gray. Gray cited health concerns after having two strokes as his reason for retirement. 

Challengers are also running against officeholders in Ward 8, Ward 4, and the at-large position. In Ward 2, Councilwoman Brooke Pinto is running unopposed. 

Both United States citizens and non-U.S. citizens can participate in the primaries. 

Voters must be at least 17 years old, reach age 18 before the next general election, and have local residency since at least May 5, 2024. 

It is important for voters not to have claimed residency or be registered to vote anywhere else and not to have been found legally incompetent to vote by a court.

The deadline for returning a mail-in ballot is June 4 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. for drop-off or until Election Day for mailed ballots, which must be postmarked by June 4.

Here is a map indicating ballot drop-off locations. 

There will be 75 voting centers open on primary day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. See the complete list online. 

Voters may cast their ballots at any voting center regardless of their residential address. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. will be able to vote.

Same-day voter registration is available if a voter has proof of residence. Acceptable documents include:

If a voter arrives at the polling place without an acceptable ID, he or she can sign an ID confirmation statement or cast a provisional ballot. A copy of a valid ID must still be provided afterward.

This is the website where voters can check their registration status. Voters must update their voter registration information in person at one of the voting centers.

All voters must be registered with one of the eligible parties to cast their votes in the primaries, which includes the Democratic, Republican, or D.C. Statehood Green parties.

“You must be registered with one of these parties on or before the 21st day before the primary election unless you are registering for the first time when you vote,” election officials said. “In that case, you may register with a party when you vote.”

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This election brings to debate urgent problems of crime, policing, and law enforcement. Following a surge in crime last year, candidates are expected to address these concerns about how to make residents feel safe.

There has been a decrease in homicides and carjackings this year, but public safety continues to be a top priority for voters. The winning candidates will need to address these challenges and meet the demands of their constituents.

At-large

Robert White, Democrat (Incumbent)

Rodney Red Grant, Democrat

Darryl Moch, Green

Ward 4

Janeese Lewis George, Democrat (Incumbent)

Lisa Gore, Democrat

Paul Johnson, Democrat

Ward 7

Wendell Felder, Democrat

Denise Reed, Democrat

Ebony Payne, Democrat

Villareal Johnson II, Democrat

Nate Fleming, Democrat

Kelvin Brown, Democrat

Roscoe Grant Jr., Democrat

Ebbon A. Allen, Democrat

Veda Rasheed, Democrat

Eboni-Rose Thompson, Democrat

Ward 8

Trayon White Sr., Democrat (Incumbent)

Rahman Branch, Democrat

Salim Adofo, Democrat

Nate Derenge, Republican