Every two years elections open up for seats on local Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs). Commissioners provide a valuable role in the city as the liaison between DC government and their approximately 2,000 residents / constituents in a Single Member District (SMD). Commissioners have no legislative powers — hence the “advisory” in the name. But Commissioners can make a difference.

For those who have a passion for serving their community, are proactive in local issues around development, permitting, services and being responsive to constituents, it can be a rewarding volunteer opportunity. It’s not an easy job, and it’s definitely what you make of it. The weakest ANC Commissioners I know don’t do much, attend meetings, answer a few emails but aren’t out in the community. The strongest I know are involved, responsive, caring.

Elections are non-partisan, and if you’re a Federal employee, the Hatch Act does not apply.

If you want to make a difference in your community, here’s how to run for election as a Commissioner (taken from the ANC Elections webpage):

Are you eligible?

To have your name on the November 3rd ballot you must be a registered voter and have lived in your Single Member District (SMD) for 60 days prior to turning in your nomination petition. The deadline for turning in your petition this year is Wednesday, August 5th, so you must have begun living in your SMD no later than June 6th.

Unlike prior years, forms do not need to be notarized.

Here’s how to find your Single Member District…

Get and File Your Paperwork

In Person Pick-Up (wear a mask): Call ahead (202-727-2525) and schedule an appointment to pick up your petition in person at the Board of Elections (BOE) at 1015 Half Street SE.

OR… Get Your Forms Online: You will first have to file two forms:

First is the Statement of Candidate (or Candidate’s Agent). Note this is different than the Declaration of Candidacy. The Declaration does not have to filed before August 5.
Second is the Receipt of Ballot Access Documents. Because you must submit this form before you can receive your petition, you can leave the check box for “Petition Pages” unchecked when you turn it in, and insert 0 for the number of pages received. You can send these two forms to the Board at candidate@dcboe.org. Note that none of the forms that you submit this year, including the nomination petitions, need to be notarized.

Send to / Drop Off to BOE
After you file the forms, BOE will issue your petition form by email (unless you arrange a personal visit to the BOE offices). The BOE will also provide a list of registered voters for your SMD if you want one, but you must request it. It will not be provided automatically..

Now… You Need Signatures

Voter Petitions:
Once you have your petition from BOE, you can duplicate it, physically or electronically. Then using any method of your choice, provide it to at least 10 registered voters in your SMD. You can have voters all sign the same petition, or, if it’s easier, and it probably will be, you can provide each signer with their own petition form to sign. The signers must return the form to you, not the Board. Although the form does not have to be notarized, the "Affidavit of Circulator" must be signed. The voter can sign it, or the candidate (or the candidate’s agent) can sign it, but it MUST be signed or the petition will be rejected. (Editor note: Get at least 20-25 signatures, as it’s easier to ensure there’s no mistakes that would keep you off the ballot at the last minute.)

Submitting Petitions:
Once you have all of your signatures, you need to return the forms to the BOE. If they are electronic, attach them to an email and send to the BOE (candidate@dcboe.org). If they are on paper, you can mail them to the BOE. However, if you choose to use the US Post Office, be aware that the petitions must be received by the BOE before the deadline of August 5th; when they are postmarked does not matter. Alternatively, you can scan the paper forms and email them to the BOE, fax them to the BOE (202) 347-2648, or deliver them in person (provided you set an appointment in advance).

The Deadline

Finally, be sure to file your Declaration of Candidacy and all of your petitions well before 5pm on Wednesday, August 5th. Although there is space on bottom of the form for a notary, the form does NOT have to be notarized.

Additional information for candidates is available on the BOE website.

You may also contact the Office of ANCs at OANC@dc.gov.

Simple, right?

Good luck!