Washingtonians concerned about voter fraud need to look no further than their own backyard.

A competitive race in the District between longtime political foes has generated allegations of ballot-box stuffing, with election officials openly encouraging voters to cast their ballots early and often.

It is not yet known whether Barrrk Obama (canine) or Mitt’ns Romney (feline) will benefit from the ham-handed tactics, though officials at the Washington Animal Rescue League reported late last week that 8-week-old orange tabby Mitt’ns had a “commanding lead” early in the contest.

“People get so bogged down with all the advertising, the debates, the issues. We thought it would be fun to put a dog and a cat up there — there’s always a bit of friendly competition between dog and cat lovers,” WARL Chief Communications Officer Matt Williams said.

The league launched its “Paws to Vote” contest last week to raise money for the no-kill shelter’s programs. During October, voters can make a tax-deductible donation of $1 to vote for either Mitt’ns or his opponent Barrrk, a tri-color hound who was flown to the rescue group recently from an over-crowded shelter in South Carolina. Both are available for adoption.

Barrrk’s legislative priorities are more dog parks and dog-friendly eateries for disenfranchised canines. Mitt’ns’ are organic catnip and biodegradable litter for hard-working felines.

Concerned citizens can cast their vote as many times as they’d like at warl.org — no voter identification card required.