How do I vote in Washington, D.C.? Your guide to polling sites, mail-in deadlines, more

With Election Day coming up on Nov. 5, here’s your guide for all things related to casting your vote in Washington, D.C. To see guides for other states, click here.

Do I need to register to vote?

Yes, District of Columbia residents need to register in order to vote. You can check your voter registration status here.

How do I do that?

Yes, District of Columbia residents need to register in order to vote. You can check your voter registration status here.

What’s the deadline?

Online and mail-in registration applications must be received by Oct. 15, but you can register same-day during early voting or on Election Day as long as you have a valid proof of residence. 

Where do I find out where my polling site is?

Find your closest mail-in ballot drop box, early voting center or Election Day polling place here. 

Can I vote by mail?

The Washington, D.C. Board of Elections automatically sends out mail ballots to all active registered voters. If you’ll be away from your residence during the election, you can request a mail-in ballot to be sent somewhere else. 

What’s the latest date I can turn in my ballot?

Your mail-in ballot needs to be postmarked by Election Day. 

Is there a way I can track my ballot?

You can track the status of your mail-in ballot here. 

What if I need help getting to the polling site?

If you foresee having trouble getting to your polling location in-person, you can vote using the mail-in ballot sent to you automatically or you can request an Accessible Remote Ballot by filling out this form. Find more details and contact information to learn more about your options here. 

Where do I find election results?

USA TODAY will have presidential, congressional and statewide race results updating live here. 

Illustrations by Veronica Bravo, USA TODAY