Make your plan

District of Columbia

You have three ways to cast a ballot. Here's the easiest one for you.

★ Easiest in District of Columbia

Option 1 of 3

Vote by mail

When
Ballots auto-mailed or available on request

No excuse required

Return deadline
Must be postmarked by Election Day

Return by mail or at any drop box, vote center, or county office

Every registered voter auto-mailed a ballot.

Option 2 of 3

Vote early, in person

When
Oct 21 – Nov 2

13 days · weekends included

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Vote centers in all 8 wards.

Option 3 of 3

Vote on Election Day

When
Tue, Nov 3

Polls open on Election Day

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── Pick your voting day

When will you vote?

Pick a date below. We'll show you what to expect.

October 2026

Election DayEarly voting window

── Build your voting plan

Save all your important voting dates to your calendar with one click.

Includes 3 events: early voting, mail ballot deadline, and Election Day. Adjust later in your calendar app.

Generated locally in your browser. Nothing sent anywhere.

── Take it with you

Make a card you can share or print.

A pocket-sized District of Columbia voting plan you can download to your phone, share with a friend, or print on a 4×6 card.

Make my plan card

── Your 2026 federal races

What's on your federal ballot

No U.S. Senate race in District of Columbia in 2026.

DC has no voting Senate or House representation

For specific candidates and updates, visit your state's official election office (opens in new tab).

District of Columbia has no voting House representation.

For specific candidates, visit your state's official election office (opens in new tab).

Last updated: May 3, 2026. Race information changes as candidates file and primaries finalize. Always verify with your state's election office for the most current information.

── What to bring

No ID required for registered voters.

First-time mail registrants must show ID.

No ID? You can still vote. Sign an affidavit/declaration form at the polling site and your ballot still counts. Don't let anyone turn you away.

── Registration

Same-day registration available, including on Election Day.

Not registered yet? Register at vote.gov (opens in new tab). It's the federal government's portal and routes you to District of Columbia's election authority.

Trouble at the polls?

Long lines, broken machines, anyone challenging your right to vote. Call. Lawyers answer in seconds.

Sources

District of Columbia — how to vote in 2026 · Voting Plan