How to Vote in District of Columbia: 2026 Deadlines, Early Voting & Poll Hours

To vote in the November 3, 2026 general election, register by ≈ October 13, 2026 — 21 days before Election Day.

District of Columbia also allows same-day registration on Election Day itself.

Dates marked ≈ are computed from state statute and can shift with county practice. Confirm your exact deadline and check your registration status at District of Columbia's official site.

Early voting opens ≈ October 22, 2026 — 12 days before Election Day. It runs through Saturday before Election Day.

District of Columbia is an all-mail state: every active registered voter is automatically mailed a ballot, and in-person early voting sites are an alternative to mailing it back.

Every active voter is mailed a ballot.

Confirm exact locations and hours — which vary by county — at District of Columbia's official election site.

Every active registered voter in District of Columbia is automatically mailed a ballot — no request needed.

Return rule: Postmarked on or before Election Day; must be received within ten days of the election

Every active voter is mailed a ballot automatically.

Details and request forms are at District of Columbia's official election site.

No identifying document is requested to vote in person; the state verifies identity by other means, typically a signature match.

See the full list of accepted ID at District of Columbia's official election site.

Polls are open until 8 p.m. ET on November 3, 2026.

See how District of Columbia's closing time compares nationwide on the full poll closing times by state page, or confirm your local hours at District of Columbia's official election site.