As Election Day approaches, a significant number of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) seats in Washington, D.C., remain unfilled, raising concerns about local representation and political engagement.
ANC members serve as representatives for specific neighborhoods throughout the city, advising the D.C. government on various issues such as zoning, public safety, and transportation. Although these positions are unpaid, commissioners play a crucial role in voicing community concerns and influencing policy decisions.
Currently, there are 345 ANC seats, but 54 of them—nearly 16%—lack candidates on the ballot. Zach Israel, a former ANC commissioner and D.C. law expert, expressed his concern: “It’s disheartening to think that some neighborhoods might not have representation, which is a disservice to their communities.”
Israel noted that commissioners wield “soft power” to effect change for their constituents. “When commissioners are dedicated and persistent—whether it’s addressing traffic safety or improving neighborhood cleanliness—they can drive positive outcomes,” he explained.
The absence of candidates may stem from the demanding nature of the role. Commissioners meet monthly, engage with residents and city agencies, and sometimes testify at D.C. Council hearings. “Taking this role seriously can consume a significant amount of time,” Israel added. “Burnout is a real issue for some commissioners.”
Elected every two years in November during even-numbered years, prospective candidates must complete paperwork months in advance and gather 25 signatures to qualify for the ballot. Many potential candidates are unaware of this process until it’s too late, according to Salim Adofo, an ANC chair in Ward 8. “This often results in numerous vacant seats during elections,” he said.
Adofo indicated that many unfilled seats might eventually be occupied by write-in candidates, with some potentially winning with only a handful of votes. He lamented this trend, stating that it reflects poorly on current officeholders’ ability to inspire participation in the electoral process. “We need to better communicate the importance of these roles and encourage more people to aspire to them,” Adofo emphasized.
