A voter's place of residence is critical to determining where she may vote and for which candidates she is eligible to vote. The "principal or primary home or place of abode of a person. Principal or primary home or place of abode is that home or place in which the person's habitation is fixed and to which a person, whenever he or she is absent, has the present intention of returning after a departure or absence therefrom, regardless of the duration of the absence." D.C. Code Ann. §1-1001.02(16)(A).
What does residence mean for voting?
The term Residence refers to the place a person considers their legal or voting home under applicable rules; for voting, residence usually determines jurisdiction, districts, and ballot eligibility. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How does residence determine where someone votes?
In election administration, Residence is applied according to its defined purpose: the place a person considers their legal or voting home under applicable rules. Officials then use the relevant eligibility, filing, ballot, timing, notice, or procedural rules for that election. The exact process can differ by office, election type, and jurisdiction.
Can voting-residence rules vary by state?
In election administration, Residence is applied according to its defined purpose: the place a person considers their legal or voting home under applicable rules. Officials then use the relevant eligibility, filing, ballot, timing, notice, or procedural rules for that election. The exact process can differ by office, election type, and jurisdiction.
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A voter's place of residence is critical to determining where she may vote and for which candidates she is eligible to vote. The "principal or primary home or place of abode of a person. Principal or primary home or place of abode is that home or place in which the person's habitation is fixed and to which a person, whenever he or she is absent, has the present intention of returning after a departure or absence therefrom, regardless of the duration of the absence." D.C. Code Ann. §1-1001.02(16)(A).
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Residence. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/residence
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