# D.C. Code § 1-1001.05a: Advisory opinions

> District of Columbia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.05a

## Section

- **Citation:** D.C. Code § 1-1001.05a
- **Heading:** Advisory opinions
- **Jurisdiction:** District of Columbia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** DC Code / Title 1 / Chapter 10 / § 1-1001.05a

## Text

(a) (1) On its own initiative, or upon receiving a request from a person listed below and within a reasonable time after its receipt, the Board shall provide an advisory opinion regarding compliance with this subchapter :
(A) An elected official or a candidate to be an elected official;
(B) Any person required to or who reasonably anticipates being required to submit filings to the Board under this subchapter in connection with any election; or
(C) Any other person under the jurisdiction of the Board.
(2) (A) The Board shall publish a concise statement of each request for an advisory opinion, without identifying the person seeking the opinion, in the District of Columbia Register within 20 days after its receipt by the Board. Comments upon the requested opinion shall be received by the Board for a period of at least 15 days following publication of the concise statement.
(B) The Board may waive the requirements of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, following a finding that the issuance of the advisory opinion constitutes an emergency necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, welfare, or trust.
(b) Advisory opinions shall be published in the District of Columbia Register within 30 days after their issuance; provided, that the identity of a person requesting an advisory opinion shall not be disclosed in the District of Columbia Register without the person's prior consent in writing. When issued according to rules of the Board, an advisory opinion shall be deemed to be an order of the Board.
(c) There shall be a rebuttable presumption that a transaction or activity undertaken by a person in reliance on an advisory opinion from the Board is lawful if:
(1) The person requested the advisory opinion;
(2) The facts on which the opinion is based are full and accurate, to the best knowledge of the person; and
(3) The person, in good faith, substantially complies with any recommendations in the advisory opinion.

## Nearby sections

- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.01 § 1-1001.01. Election of electors.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.01.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.02 § 1-1001.02. Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.02.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.03 § 1-1001.03. Board of Elections — Created; composition; term of office; vacancies; reappointment; designation of Chairman.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.03.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.04 § 1-1001.04. Board of Elections — Qualifications; prohibited activities; compensation; removal; time for filling vacancy.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.04.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.05 § 1-1001.05. Board of Elections — Duties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.05.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.05a § 1-1001.05a. Advisory opinions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.05a.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.06 § 1-1001.06. Board independent agency; facilities; seal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.06.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.06a § 1-1001.06a. Establishment of the Election Reform Fund.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.06a.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.07 § 1-1001.07. Voter.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.07.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.07a § 1-1001.07a. Leave to vote.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.07a.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.07b § 1-1001.07b. Automatic voter registration expansion.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.07b.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.08 § 1-1001.08. Qualifications of candidates and electors; nomination and election of Delegate, Chairman of the Council, members of Council, Mayor, Attorney General, and members of State Board of Education; petition requirements; arrangement of ballot.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.08.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.08a § 1-1001.08a. Ranked choice voting.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.08a.md)
- [D.C. Code § 1-1001.09 § 1-1001.09. Secrecy required; place of voting; watchers; challenged ballots; assistance in marking ballot or operating voting machine; more than 1 vote prohibited; unopposed candidates; availability of regulations at Vote Centers; deposit, inspection, and destruction of ballots.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.09.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T1_C10_S1-1001.05a. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.