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Ballot by Mail
ballotbymail.org · nonpartisan
November 3, 2026 general election

Voting by mail in District of Columbia

Yes. Your ballot comes to you. Every active registered voter is mailed a ballot automatically. Just make sure your registration and mailing address are current.

Key dates

Register to vote byTue, Oct 13 (same-day registration also available)
Mail ballot request received byMon, Oct 19
Early in-person votingMon, Oct 26Sun, Nov 1
Mail your ballot byTue, Oct 27 (USPS: allow 7 days)
Election DayTue, Nov 3
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received within 10 days after.
Fix a signature problem byTue, Nov 10

Steps

  1. Confirm your registration and mailing address are current.
  2. Watch for your ballot in the mail. Most states send them 2 to 3 weeks before Election Day.
  3. Fill it out in blue or black ink. Sign the envelope where it says to.
  4. Return it by drop box or in person if you can. Mail it at least a week early if not.
  5. Track it on your state's tracker until it shows received.

Don't get rejected

  • Sign the envelope. An unsigned envelope is the most common fixable mistake.
  • Use the secrecy sleeve if one is included, then the return envelope. Don't tape anything.
  • Keep the phone and email on your registration current. If there's a problem, that's how they reach you to fix it.

Trouble voting? 866-OUR-VOTE (English) · 888-VE-Y-VOTA (Español) · 888-API-VOTE (Asian languages) · 844-YALLA-US (العربية)

Rules checked 2026-09-09; deadlines checked 2026-09-09. Sources: NCSL, Vote.org, CEIR, state election offices. The official site wins if anything differs. Free to copy and post.