2026 District of Columbia general election voter guide

Election at a glance

The District of Columbia will hold a general election in 2026. Voters preparing to participate should begin by checking the official election calendar and their voter registration information.

The final ballot will show the choices available to each voter. Read the official sample ballot before voting so there is time to review every contest or question that appears. Because ballots can depend on a voter’s address, use the sample ballot assigned to your registration rather than relying on a ballot shared by another voter.

Dates voters need to confirm

Start with the date of the general election and work backward when making a voting plan. Important dates to check include the voter registration deadline and any deadline for updating a name or address.

Voters considering options beyond voting at a polling place on Election Day should confirm whether early voting or voting by mail will be offered. If those options are available, check the relevant locations, opening hours, request deadlines and ballot-return rules. Do not assume that mailing a ballot on Election Day will meet the return requirement; follow the official instructions that come with the ballot.

Recheck the calendar closer to the election in case hours, locations or other instructions change.

Reviewing what is on the ballot

Use the final official ballot information to identify every contest and ballot question attached to your address. Candidate lists, office titles and the wording of any ballot questions should be read directly from that official version.

A sample ballot can also help voters avoid surprises and reduce the time needed to complete a ballot. Marking a separate sample ballot for reference can be useful, but voters should follow instructions about what materials may be brought into a voting location.

If a name, contest or question looks unfamiliar, review it before voting. Avoid treating campaign advertising, social media posts or unofficial ballot images as a substitute for the final ballot.

Registration and voter information

Check voter registration before the deadline, even if you have voted before. Make sure the registration record uses the correct name and current District address. An address change may affect which ballot a voter receives and where that voter is directed to vote.

Anyone who is not registered should review the District’s eligibility requirements, registration methods and deadlines. Voters should also check whether identification or proof of residence is required for their situation and what documents meet those rules.

Keep a copy or confirmation of any registration submission or update. After filing a change, check again to make sure the record reflects it.

Making a plan to vote

Choose a voting method only after reading its official requirements. For in-person voting, confirm the correct location, dates and hours, along with any check-in requirements. Allow enough time to travel, wait and complete the ballot.

For voting by mail, if available, follow the instructions for completing, signing and returning the ballot. Check whether the return envelope requires specific information and use an approved return method. Voters should also look for any official ballot-tracking option and retain relevant confirmation details.

Before leaving an in-person voting location or returning a mailed ballot, review each selection and make sure the ballot is complete. Ask an election worker for procedural help when needed, without asking the worker to recommend a candidate or ballot choice.