Washington, D.C., residents have the opportunity to cast their ballots in the 2026 general election today, Tuesday, November 3. Voters will decide several important local races, including the contests for mayor and D.C. Council, alongside federal representation and other offices.
Whether you’re planning to vote before work, during your lunch break, or later this evening, it’s worth reviewing your ballot and finding a convenient voting location before heading out. Here’s everything you need to know about voting in Washington, D.C., today.
What Will You Be Voting On?
The November 3 general election includes a range of local and federal contests that will shape Washington, D.C.’s political leadership and representation.
According to the D.C. Board of Elections and local voter guides, the ballot includes the following offices, with some contests depending on your ward:
- Mayor of Washington, D.C.: The citywide race to determine who will lead the District’s executive branch.
- D.C. Attorney General: The District’s chief legal officer.
- D.C. Council chair: The citywide contest for the official who leads the D.C. Council.
- D.C. Council seats: At-large council seats and ward-specific races, including contests in Wards 1, 3, 5, and 6.
- U.S. Senate: A federal race for representation in the Senate.
- U.S. House delegate: The District’s nonvoting delegate to the House of Representatives.
- State Board of Education: Ward-specific seats on the board overseeing education policy.
- Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANCs): Local representatives who advise the D.C. government on neighborhood issues.
The ballot also includes an independent at-large D.C. Council contest and other races that may vary according to a voter’s ward.
D.C. is also introducing ranked-choice voting for this general election. For eligible contests, voters can rank up to five candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in the first round, the lowest-performing candidates are eliminated in successive rounds, with votes redistributed according to voters’ next preferences.
You can review your sample ballot and find more election information through the D.C. Board of Elections.
When Do the Polls Open and Close?
In-person voting centers across Washington, D.C., are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3.
If you plan to vote in person, make sure you arrive with enough time to complete the process. However, if you are already in line when polls close at 8 p.m., you are still entitled to cast your ballot.
D.C. voters can also return completed mail ballots to an authorized ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters who have not registered can register and vote in person on Election Day, subject to the District’s eligibility and documentation requirements.
For the latest information about voting options, visit the official D.C. Board of Elections website.
Where Are Some Polling Locations Around Washington, D.C.?
D.C. operates voting centers throughout all eight wards, including schools, libraries, recreation centers, and other community facilities.
One important detail: D.C. voters can cast their ballots at any Election Day Vote Center in the District, regardless of their residential address. You do not have to visit a center in your own ward.
Here are some locations where you can vote today:
- Ward 1: Columbia Heights Education Campus, 3101 16th Street NW.
- Ward 2: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW.
- Ward 3: University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW.
- Ward 4: Takoma Community Center, 300 Van Buren Street NW.
- Ward 5: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NE.
- Ward 6: Eastern Market, 225 7th Street SE.
- Ward 7: Kelly Miller Middle School, 301 49th Street NE.
- Ward 8: THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE.
These are examples of voting centers, not a complete list. Before leaving home, check the official Election Day Vote Center directory for the full list of addresses and any location-specific details.
What Do You Need To Bring With You To Vote?
For most D.C. voters, you do not need to bring a specific form of identification to vote in person.
However, there are a few important things to know before heading to a voting center:
- If you are already registered: You generally do not need to present a specific form of photo ID to cast your ballot.
- If you need to register on Election Day: Bring acceptable proof of D.C. residency. Check the Board of Elections’ requirements in advance to confirm which documents qualify.
- If you want to review your choices beforehand: Check your sample ballot online so you know which candidates and contests to expect.
- If you received a mail ballot: Follow the instructions provided with your ballot if you plan to return it rather than vote in person.
D.C. allows eligible residents to register and vote on Election Day, but same-day registration requires the appropriate documentation. If you are unsure about your registration status or what documents to bring, consult the D.C. Board of Elections before heading out.
With voting centers open until 8 p.m., D.C. residents still have time to participate in the 2026 general election. Check your ballot, confirm the location you plan to visit, and remember that any D.C. voter can use any Election Day Vote Center in the District.
