District of Columbia 2026 general election voter guide

The District of Columbia’s 2026 general election will give voters an opportunity to make choices on the contests and any other questions listed on their ballots. The most important preparation steps are to verify registration, learn what will appear on the ballot and check the rules for the voting method each voter plans to use.

Start with the election calendar

Voters should check the official election calendar before making a voting plan. Important dates may include a registration deadline, a deadline connected to voting by mail, an early-voting period and Election Day.

Each date serves a different purpose. A registration deadline determines when a voter must complete or update a registration under the applicable rules. A mail-voting deadline may govern when a request or completed ballot must be received or sent. Early voting allows eligible voters to cast ballots before Election Day during designated times and at designated locations.

Write down the deadlines that apply to your chosen voting method. Checking them early leaves time to address a registration problem, review voting instructions or make another plan if necessary.

Confirm registration and personal details

A voter should confirm that their registration is current before trying to cast a ballot. The record should reflect the voter’s correct name, address and other required information.

An address change can affect which contests appear on a voter’s ballot. Anyone who has moved, changed a name or is unsure about their status should review the applicable registration instructions and any deadline for making an update.

First-time voters should also check what information is required to register and whether they will need to take an additional step when voting. Keep any registration confirmation or related record in an accessible place.

Review the ballot before voting

The ballot is the authoritative list of choices presented to an individual voter. Before voting, review an official sample ballot or other official ballot information for the voter’s address when it becomes accessible.

Read the instructions for each contest or question. The ballot itself will state how many selections a voter may make. It may also contain offices or questions that receive less public attention than other parts of the election.

No candidates are directly linked to this guide. Voters can compare candidates by reviewing their stated priorities, experience and explanations of how they would use the powers of the office they seek. For any ballot question, read the full wording and identify what a “yes” or “no” vote would do before making a choice.

Choose a voting method

Voters should decide whether to vote before Election Day, by mail if eligible under the applicable rules, or in person on Election Day. Then confirm the instructions, locations and hours for that method.

A voter planning to vote in person should identify the correct location and consider transportation and timing. A voter planning to use a mailed ballot should read all instructions, complete every required step and track the relevant return deadline.

Before submitting a ballot, check that the intended selections are clearly marked and that no required part of the process has been skipped. Keep official election contact information available in case a question arises about registration, a voting location, accessibility or ballot instructions.