Washington DC’s 2026 midterm election will enter its voting phase next week, with residents able to cast ballots early from October 26 or vote on Election Day, November 3.
The District of Columbia Board of Elections has confirmed that early voting centres will open daily from 8.30am to 7pm between Monday, October 26 and Sunday, November 1. Voters may use any early voting centre, regardless of their home address.
Washington DC 2026 midterm election voting arrangements
On Election Day, polling centres will be open from 7am to 8pm. Anyone still in line at 8pm will be allowed to vote, and residents can cast their ballot at any vote centre in the district.
Registered voters can also return a postal ballot by mail or use one of the district’s ballot drop boxes. Ballots sent through the US Postal Service must be postmarked by November 3 and received by Friday, November 13 to be counted. Drop boxes will be available until 8pm on Election Day.
The Board of Elections has introduced ranked-choice voting for the 2026 general election. Voters will be able to rank candidates in order of preference in contests where the system applies.
Eligible registered voters will receive a postal ballot ahead of the election. Ballot status can be monitored through the Board of Elections’ tracking service.
Same-day registration is available at early voting centres and on Election Day. Anyone registering at the polls must provide acceptable proof of residence, such as a valid District of Columbia identification document, lease, bank statement, utility bill or other qualifying government document.
Residents must have lived in Washington DC for at least 30 days before the election and cannot claim voting residence in another US state or territory. People aged 16 or over may pre-register, while 17-year-olds can vote in a primary if they will turn 18 by the next general election.
Non-US citizens may vote in contests for local offices, including mayor, attorney general, the DC Council, the state board of education and advisory neighbourhood commissions. They cannot vote in federal contests such as the presidency or the district’s seat in the US House of Representatives.
Voters who cast a special ballot because they do not initially provide acceptable proof of residence will have until Thursday, November 5 to submit the required documentation to the Board of Elections.
Key races on the Washington DC ballot
One of the most closely watched contests is the race for mayor, after Muriel Bowser decided not to seek re-election. Janeese Lewis George, the Democratic nominee, will face Robert L. Gross of the DC Statehood Green Party and independent candidate Rhonda Hamilton.
The district’s non-voting seat in the US House is also open after Eleanor Holmes Norton chose not to run again. Democrat Robert White is competing against Republican Denise Rosado and Kymone Freeman, the DC Statehood Green Party candidate.
Attorney General Brian Schwalb is seeking another term as the Democratic candidate against Republican Manuel Rivera.
Voters will also choose the chair of the DC Council, with incumbent Democrat Phil Mendelson facing Republican Abi-Ananiah Prudent and independent candidate John C. Cheecks. The at-large council race features Democrat Oye Owolewa, Republican Darrell Green, DC Statehood Green candidate Darryl Moch and independent Elissa Silverman.
Ward contests are being held in Wards 1, 3, 5 and 6. The ballot will also include races for the district’s shadow senator and shadow representative, positions that lobby Congress on behalf of Washington DC but do not carry voting power in the House or Senate.
Paul Strauss, the Democratic shadow senator, is being challenged by Republican Robert Simmons. The shadow representative contest is between Democrat Franklin Garcia and Republican Ciprian Ivanof.
Foie gras initiative
Initiative 86 would ban the force-feeding of birds to enlarge their livers, as well as the sale and distribution of products made using the practice, including foie gras.
The measure proposes enforcement by the Department of Energy and Environment, with civil penalties for violations. If approved, the prohibition is due to take effect on July 1, 2027.
Live results will begin to be released after polls close on November 3. The Board of Elections will continue updating totals as postal ballots arrive, with official results tentatively scheduled to be certified on Wednesday, December 2.
