Newsroom

Click here to sign up for OAG's newsletter.

Early voting is underway in the District, and it’s important that every resident make their voice heard this election. You can still register to vote same day during early voting and Election Day (November 3, 2020) by bringing proof of residence (e.g., current and valid driver's license, a current utility bill, or other forms of proof of residence).

The key is making a plan to vote, and you can cast your ballot in one of several ways:

• Mail-In Voting: You can drop off your mail-in ballot in any Ballot Drop Box site now through 8:00 pm on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Ballots can also be dropped off at Early Voting Centers and Election Day Voting Centers when those are open. While ballots can be mailed back, we recommend that voters drop their ballots off rather than use the mail at this late stage.
   
• Early Voting: You can vote early in person at any Early Voting Center now through Monday, November 2, from 8:30 am - 7:00 pm daily. Please wear a mask and follow all COVID-19 guidance while voting in person.
   
• Election Day Voting: You can vote in person on Tuesday, November 3 at any Election Day Voting Center from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

OAG has been active in protecting voting access nationwide. We recently led a group of 15 AGs in defending North Carolina's extended deadline for receiving mail-in ballots and, in an important win for voters, the Supreme Court upheld that extension. We’ve also led several multistate coalitions to expand access to mail-in ballots (Minnesota, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas), stop closures of ballot drop-off sites (Texas), allow curbside voting (Alabama), prevent voter intimidation (Michigan), and oppose unfair voting restrictions against returning citizens (North Carolina and Florida).

This week, I also joined 37 AGs and the National Association of Attorneys General to reaffirm our commitment to free, fair and secure elections. If someone interferes with your right to vote through threats, intimidation, or coercion, please contact OAG at (202) 442-9828 or email us at consumer.protection@dc.gov. If you need immediate assistance, dial 911 or the Metropolitan Police Department.

Remember, you, the voter, will decide the many important elections on the ballot this November. I stand ready to ensure that every voter is heard and every vote is counted.

Karl A. Racine
Attorney General 

Protecting Food Benefits for D.C. Residents

This month, a multistate coalition, co-led by AG Racine and New York AG Letitia James, stopped the Trump administration from unlawfully cutting SNAP food assistance for more than 700,000 Americans, including up to 20,000 District residents. This heartless and unlawful move would have let struggling residents go hungry during the pandemic and put their lives at risk. In the Washington Post, AG Racine writes that state Attorneys General will always stand up to defend vulnerable residents experiencing hardship.

Ensuring Childcare Providers Protect Children

This month, OAG filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Washington Hebrew Congregation's preschool for repeatedly ignoring child safety laws and failing to protect children in its care; fifteen children have reported abuse. If you have concerns about unlawful or unfair practices by a childcare provider (or any other business), contact OAG by calling (202) 442-9828, emailing Consumer.Protection@dc.gov, or submitting a complaint online. REMINDER: D.C. law requires all adults to report child sex abuse and also requires mandated reporters—like daycare workers or doctors—to report any abuse or neglect of those under 18. You can report child abuse to the District’s Child and Family Services Agency at 202-671-SAFE. In life-threatening situations, call 911.

Know Your Rights: Emergency Paid Sick Leave During COVID-19

In May, the D.C. Council passed a temporary expansion of the District’s Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act, which provides some workers additional paid sick leave during the COVID-19 emergency. If you or a family member are suffering from COVID-19, you may qualify for paid sick leave during the pandemic. Learn if you are eligible.

WIN: Court Rules Trump-Appointee Unlawfully Replaced Nonprofit Board

This month, the Court ruled in favor of our lawsuit to resolve dueling Boards at Open Technology Fund, a District nonprofit supporting encryption and anti-censorship tools for people living in repressive societies. The judge declared that Trump-appointee Michael Pack’s attempt to remove and replace the organization’s Board of Directors was unauthorized and that the original Board is the valid one. OAG will continue to enforce the District’s Nonprofit Corporations Act and ensure nonprofits are acting in the public interest. If you suspect that a nonprofit doing business in D.C. is violating District law, please contact OAG at (202) 442-9828.

Fighting Trumps Unlawful Visa Limits for Foreign Students

AG Racine led a group of 22 AGs to oppose the Trump administration’s proposed rule to severely restrict time limits on international student visas. This move by the administration is yet another xenophobic and unlawful attempt to keep foreign citizens out of the United States. AG Racine will continue to fight this drastic rule and stand up for the 12,000 international students in District who make important contributions to their schools and add millions of dollars to our local economy.

Join Us: Countering Hate Through Art

OAG is partnering with Project Create to launch a youth art competition called Artists v. Hate, Standing Up for Humanity. This competition, which is a part of Attorney General Racine’s larger counter hate initiative, is designed to empower D.C. youth to stand up against hate, to promote social justice, and to inspire change through art. Learn more about this competition and join us on Monday, November 9 at 4:00pm for our kickoff event!