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Washington DC elections in 2026

This page lists Washington DC statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Washington DC​

Start with the official Washington DC voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

District of Columbia voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • May 26, 2026 — Deadline for receipt of all voter registration applications: Deadline for receipt of all voter registration applications (including federal postcard applications (FPCAs), federal write in absentee ballots (FWABs)) and updates except for those submitted in person at the Board or at voter registration agencies [D. C. Official Code §§ 1-1001. 07(g)(1)-(3); 3 DCMR § 504. 3 (21 days before the election)].

Online​

District of Columbia enables residents to register through their online voter registration portal. The registration deadline is 21 days before the next election. If you miss this deadline, you may register in person at any Vote Center during early voting or on Election Day

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

All voter registration applications (By Mail, E-Mail, Fax) and updates submitted by mail must be received by the Board by no later than the 21st day before the election in which you wish to vote.

Deadlines

In Person​

In person registration is available up to and including on Election Day.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. Individuals may register after the 30th day preceding an election including on Election Day. They may only register and vote on Election Day. DC ST § 1-1001. 07

Military Overseas: Available

You can complete the Federal Post Card Application, which both registers you to vote and requests an absentee ballot for each election until the next regularly scheduled general election (November of an even year).

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Washington DC​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • May 26, 2026 — Deadline for receipt of all voter registration applications: Deadline for receipt of all voter registration applications (including federal postcard applications (FPCAs), federal write in absentee ballots (FWABs)) and updates except for those submitted in person at the Board or at voter registration agencies [D. C. Official Code §§ 1-1001. 07(g)(1)-(3); 3 DCMR § 504. 3 (21 days before the election)].
  • June 1, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Deadline for receipt of ballot requests from non-UOCAVA voters [3 DCMR § 720. 5 (no later than 15 days before the election)].
  • June 8, 2026 — Early Voting In Person Begins: Period during which qualified electors may register and cast ballots in person at Early Vote Centers. Early Vote Centers are open every day during this period between the hours of 8: 30 a. m. and 7: 00 p. m. [D. C. Official Code §§ 1-1001. 09(b-1)(1)-(2); 3 DCMR §§ 700. 4, 702. 2 (for no more than 12 days before the election)].
  • June 14, 2026 — Early Voting In Person Ends: Last day a qualified electors may register and cast ballots in person at Early Vote Centers.

Voter ID requirements in Washington DC​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Washington DC voter ID requirements.

Washington DC election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — June 16, 2026​

On Election Day, between the hours of 7: 00 a. m. to 8: 00 p. m. , qualified electors may register to vote and cast full ballots in person at Vote Centers. All voters who are in line at 8: 00 p. m. may cast a ballot [D. C. Official Code §§ 1-123(d)(2), 1-1001. 07(g)(5), 1- 1001. 10(a)(1), (a)(3)(A)-(B), (b)(1) (third Tuesday in June)]. Deadline (8: 00 p. m. ) to deposit ballots at Vote Centers, drop boxes or the Board’s office, and for receipt of all electronically transmitted ballots [D. C. Official Code §§ 1- 1001. 05(a)(10A)-(10B)].

Important dates​

  • May 26, 2026 — Deadline for receipt of all voter registration applications: Deadline for receipt of all voter registration applications (including federal postcard applications (FPCAs), federal write in absentee ballots (FWABs)) and updates except for those submitted in person at the Board or at voter registration agencies [D. C. Official Code §§ 1-1001. 07(g)(1)-(3); 3 DCMR § 504. 3 (21 days before the election)].
  • June 1, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Deadline for receipt of ballot requests from non-UOCAVA voters [3 DCMR § 720. 5 (no later than 15 days before the election)].
  • June 8, 2026 — Early Voting In Person Begins: Period during which qualified electors may register and cast ballots in person at Early Vote Centers. Early Vote Centers are open every day during this period between the hours of 8: 30 a. m. and 7: 00 p. m. [D. C. Official Code §§ 1-1001. 09(b-1)(1)-(2); 3 DCMR §§ 700. 4, 702. 2 (for no more than 12 days before the election)].
  • June 13, 2026 — Deadline for UOCAVA voters to request a ballot: Deadline for UOCAVA voters to request a ballot [3 DCMR § 720. 5 (no later than three days before the election)]
  • June 14, 2026 — Early Voting In Person Ends: Last day a qualified electors may register and cast ballots in person at Early Vote Centers.

Official Washington DC election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.