The big election on June 16th isn't just for DC's next mayor. It's also when we vote for the leadership of the DC Democratic Party.
Here's everything you need to know about the Democratic State Committee election.
What is the Democratic State Committee?
The DC Democratic State Committee (DCDSC) is the governing body of the local Democratic Party. Members are not paid politicians; they are unpaid volunteers who represent their neighbors and help set the party's platform, organize grassroots efforts, and manage party operations.
- Four-Year Terms: Members are elected every four years during the June primary.
- The Mission: The committee works to promote democratic values, register voters, and advocate for issues that matter to DC residents, like Statehood and voting rights.
- Your Representation: You elect representatives at three levels: National, At-Large, and your specific Ward.
Who can vote
You must be registered as a Democrat in DC. Independents cannot vote in this primary. The registration deadline is May 26 — but if you miss it, you can still register in person during early voting (June 8–14) or on Election Day.
Check your registration or register here.
Your ballot arrives in the mail
Every registered DC voter gets a mail ballot automatically; they will be mailed starting May 11. You can return it by mail or drop it at any official drop box by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
If you're mailing it back, don't wait — mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day, June 16, and received by the Board of Elections no later than June 26.
Find your nearest drop box or vote center
Early voting and Election Day
Early voting runs June 8–14 at vote centers across DC. Election Day is June 16.
How the Democratic State Committee races work
These races do not use ranked-choice voting — just pick your candidates.
The races are divided by gender. Here's who you can vote for:
- 1 National Committeewoman and 1 National Committeeman
- Up to 7 At-Large Committeewomen and up to 7 At-Large Committeemen
- 2 Ward Committeewomen and 2 Ward Committeemen from your ward
That means you can vote for multiple candidates in each race — make sure you fill out all of them. A ballot that only has one or two names checked is leaving votes on the table.
Don't stop voting until you vote for every member of the Free DC Slate.
Who's on the Free DC Slate?
See who's on your ballot:
Not sure? Find your ward.