DC 2026 general election voter guide

Start with the official election schedule

District of Columbia voters will take part in the 2026 general election. Before making a voting plan, confirm the election date and every deadline that applies to registration and voting.

Use the District’s official election instructions rather than assuming that a date or rule from another election still applies. Put the election date and any relevant deadlines on your calendar. If you plan to complete a voting step by mail, allow time for delivery and check the official instructions for the requirement that determines whether it is on time.

A complete plan should answer four questions: Is your voter registration current? What will appear on your ballot? Which voting method will you use? What must you do for the ballot to count? Confirm each answer before the final days of the election.

Find what will be on your ballot

Review the official ballot information associated with your District address. Ballots may depend on where a voter lives, so a ballot shared by another voter should not replace the official information for your own address.

Read the full list before deciding how to vote. Look at every office, candidate and ballot question that appears. Pay attention to instructions about how many selections may be made in each contest and how choices should be marked.

Candidate names, specific races and ballot questions should be checked against the final official ballot. Campaign advertisements, mailers and social media posts are not substitutes for that ballot. Voters can also use the official ballot information to research each choice before voting.

Check your voter registration

Confirm that your voter registration record is current. Review your name, address and any other information election officials use to assign the correct ballot. A voter who has moved or changed identifying information should follow the official process for updating the record.

Anyone who still needs to register should check the District’s instructions for eligibility, required information and deadlines. Do not assume registration is automatic or that a past registration remains current after a move.

Keep any confirmation generated during the registration process. If a registration record cannot be found or contains an error, use the official contact and correction steps as early as possible. Waiting until voting is underway can leave less time to resolve a problem.

Make and verify a voting plan

Choose a voting method listed in the official 2026 election instructions. Check where and when that method is available, what materials may be required and how to complete each step correctly.

For in-person voting, confirm the correct location and operating hours before leaving. Plan transportation and enough time to review and mark the ballot. If official instructions require a document or other information, prepare it in advance.

For any mail voting option, follow the directions that come with the ballot. Complete every required field, use the required envelope or return method, and check the applicable return deadline. If an official ballot-tracking or status tool is offered, use it to confirm the ballot’s progress.

After voting, keep any receipt, confirmation number or tracking information issued through the official process. Watch for notices from election officials and respond promptly if a ballot or voter record requires action.