District of Columbia 2026 general election voter guide

District voters can prepare for the 2026 general election by making a voting plan early. That plan should cover four basic questions: whether their registration is current, what will appear on their ballot, how they intend to vote and which deadlines apply.

Key dates to confirm

Start by checking the election calendar. Important dates may include Election Day, the voter-registration deadline and any deadlines connected to voting before Election Day or voting by mail.

The deadline that matters can depend on how a voter chooses to participate. A person planning to vote in person may need different information from someone considering a mail ballot. Voters should check both the date and the time attached to each deadline, along with any instructions about how an application or ballot must be submitted.

Make a short calendar or set reminders after confirming the schedule. Allow time to resolve registration questions, review the ballot and complete any required voting steps. Waiting until the final deadline can leave less time to correct an error or ask a question.

What is on the ballot

Review the ballot connected to the address where you are registered. Before voting, read the full title of each contest or ballot question and check the instructions for marking a choice.

A sample ballot can help voters prepare before they begin the voting process. It can also help distinguish among contests, offices and ballot questions. Voters should use the final ballot information for their address rather than relying on campaign materials, social media posts or another voter’s ballot.

When reviewing candidates, separate information about a candidate’s background from statements about the candidate’s policy positions. For any ballot question, read the wording carefully and identify what a “yes” or “no” vote would mean before making a selection.

Registration checklist

Confirm that your voter registration is active and that your name and address are correct. A move, name change or other update may require action before voting.

When checking registration, use the same identifying information that appears on your registration record. If a record cannot be found or contains an error, follow the District’s instructions for updating or correcting it. Complete that process before the relevant deadline whenever possible.

Voters should also confirm whether they need to bring identification or other documents when registering or voting. Requirements can depend on the voter’s circumstances, so check the rule that applies to you rather than assuming every voter follows the same steps.

Choose how to vote

Decide whether you plan to vote in person or, if permitted under the applicable rules, by mail. Then review the instructions for that method from beginning to end.

For in-person voting, confirm when and where voting is available, whether locations or hours vary by date, and what to bring. Check the location again shortly before leaving in case instructions have changed.

For voting by mail, confirm whether a ballot must be requested, how it will be delivered and how it must be returned. Pay close attention to return instructions and deadlines. After completing a ballot, review it for stray marks or missed contests before following the required return process.

Keep any confirmation information connected to registration, a ballot request or ballot return. If a problem arises, those records can make it easier to explain what happened and ask for the correct next step.