District of ColumbiaD.C. limited who could edit petition signers' details
D.C.'s temporary law let others help edit a petition signer's details only when asked and before the person signed.
What it does
On petitions for candidates, ballot measures, and recalls, others could help fill in or fix signer details only when asked before signing. No one could use correction tape or fluid.
People collecting signatures for candidates, ballot measures, and recalls had to swear in writing that they did not change or hide signer details after the person signed.
Argument forRequiring petition collectors to swear they left signed details alone could make quiet changes to a signer's information harder.
Argument againstA signer who spots a mistake after signing might have trouble getting someone else to fix it.
More detail
The act barred anyone other than the signer from adding or editing the signer's information. This covered D.C. petitions for candidates, ballot measures, and recalls. Someone else could help only if the signer asked before signing. No one could use correction tape or fluid. These rules took effect after the mayor approved the emergency act on January 28, 2026, and were set to expire April 28, 2026.
People gathering signatures had to swear in writing that they had not changed or hidden signer details after a person signed. This covered D.C. petitions for candidates, ballot measures, and recalls. This requirement took effect after mayoral approval and could last no more than 90 days.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Feb 6Act A26-0256 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 001085, Expires on Apr 28, 2026Latest
- Feb 2Returned from Mayor
- Jan 28Signed by the Mayor and Enacted with Act Number A26-0256, Expires on Apr 28, 2026Became Law
- Jan 20Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Feb 02, 2026To Governor
- Jan 6Final ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Final Reading. Result: pass.Legislature
- Jan 6Retained by the Council
- Jan 5B26-0566 Introduced by Councilmember Bonds at Office of the SecretaryIntroduced
Civil Rights & Voting