March 12 Convention Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Saturday, March 12 Convention?

Is is the Republican Primary for DIstrict of Columbia Republicans to select the Republican Presidential nominee and ultimately a total of 19 Delegates and 16 Alternate Delegates. This is the only election for a registered Republican to vote for President in the Primary.

Can I request an absentee ballot?

No. Absentee ballots are not available for this election. The DC Republican Party was forced to hold this primary separate from the DC Board of Elections. As such, the DC GOP simply does not have the financial and human capital resources to accommodate absentee ballots. Exceptions are made for disabled veterans, overseas military, and Sabbath Observant Jews who are registered Republican with the DC Board of Elections.

Who is eligible to vote?

An eligible voter is registered Republican with the DC Board of Elections on or before February 29, 2016.

What do I need to bring?

Ideally, you will bring a license and/or your voter registration card.

Why did the DC Republican Party move voting for President of the United States and Delegates to the Republican National Convention from June 14 to March 12?

The short answer is, we didn’t have a choice. The DC Primary this year is on Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Unfortunately, this late Primary date falls within a 45 day window of the start of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016. The close proximity of the DC June 14 Primary with the National Convention placed the DC’s Primary election in violation of Republican National Committee Rules.

Do I need to stay all day at the March 12 Convention?

No. You can come in and vote in at anytime between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

How long will it take to vote?

It depends on the flow of DC registered voters. Each voter will have the opportunity to vote for the office of President of the United States and for up to 32 Delegate candidates to the Republican National Convention.

What are we voting on at the March 12 Convention?

Any registered DC Republican (on or before February 29, 2016) is able to vote once for President and cast up to 32 votes for 16 Delegates and 16 Alternate Delegates. A voter is able to cast as little as one vote for Delegate. Once a participant’s DC Republican voter registration is confirmed, the voter cast a vote for President. He/She then goes to a separate room to vote for Delegates and Alternate Delegates.

Do I still vote on June 14, 2016?

Yes. The DC Republican Presidential Primary in the District of Columbia, the date to vote for President is March 12. The June 14 GOP Primary will include offices for Republican Ward Chair (all 8 Wards), DC Council (Wards 2, 4, 7, 8 and At-Large) and National Committeeman and National Committeewoman.

Can I run as a Delegate if I haven’t declared already?

No. The process for Delegate candidate ballot access closed on February 12, 2016. There are 160 DC Republicans running for Delegate to the Republican National Convention.

Will there be other business at the Convention?

The only items at the Convention are voting for President of the United States and Delegates.

Are there write-in candidates?

No. There is no space to allow for write-in candidates.

Why is voting taking place at a hotel (Loews Madison)?

In inclimate weather or other circumstances beyond our control can cause a University, nonprofit or government building to shut down. A hotel is forced to remain open in virtually any circumstances.

How do I travel to the Loews Madison?

Located at 1177 15th ST NW, the Loews Madison Hotel is accessible by the Farragut North (Red) and McPherson Square (Orange/Blue/Silver) Metro Stations. Parking is available adjacent to the hotel on 15th ST for $10. Those opting to valet park at the hotel entrance will pay $30.