2026 early voters' guides for DC, Maryland and Virginia

The 2026 general election is coming up Tuesday, Nov. 3 in D.C., Maryland, Virginia — and across the country.

Check here for quick details on early voting, hours and voter registration info. We'll update this page soon with even more information.

Early voting and voter registration info in Washington, DC:

Early voting dates: Oct. 26–Nov. 1

The D.C. Board of Elections automatically sends mail-in ballots to all registered D.C. voters, although voters who expect to be away from their D.C. residence during the election must specifically request a mail-in ballot. You can return your ballot via mail or use D.C.'s locator tool to find the nearest drop box.

If you wish to vote early in person, early vote centers in the District will be open from Monday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 1 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day. Find vote center locations here. Voters may cast their ballots at any voting location, regardless of their residential address.

If you need to register to vote in D.C., you can do that on the D.C. Board of Elections website. (Not sure if you're registered? You can check at that same link.)

Here's our more detailed guide on voting in the District.

Early voting and voter registration info in Virginia:

Early voting dates: Now through Oct. 31

Early voting is now underway in Virginia, continuing through Saturday, Oct. 31. Voters are only allowed to vote early in the locality in which they are registered; you can search for your local early voting locations here, and remember to bring your ID.

If you need to register to vote in Virginia, you can do that on the Virginia Department of Elections website. (Not sure if you're registered? You can check at that same link.) The deadline to register is 11 days before the general election, although same-day registration will also be available by using a provisional ballot.

Want to apply to vote by mail? You can do that on Virginia's elections website.

Here's our more detailed guide on voting in Virginia.

Early voting and voter registration info in Maryland:

Early voting dates: Oct. 22–29

Early voting will be offered in Maryland from Thursday, Oct. 22 through Thursday, Oct. 29 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. each day. You may vote at any early voting center in the county where you live. Find locations here.

If you need to register to vote in Maryland, you can do that on the Maryland State Board of Elections website. (Not sure if you're registered? You can check here.)

Want to request an absentee ballot? You can do that on Maryland's elections website here.

Here's our more detailed guide on voting in Maryland.

Democratic Gov. Wes Moore and Republican challenger Dan Cox pitched their cases before voters head to the polls. News4's Darcy Spencer breaks down the debate.

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