Tuesday, November 3, 2026 is Election Day in the United States. In the Washington area, rules differ by state. Here is the essentials, according to the official websites of the election authorities of Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Polling hours
- Maryland: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Virginia: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- District of Columbia: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you are in line before closing, you can generally still vote. Check your polling place on your state’s official website.
Voter ID
- Virginia: ID is requested from every voter. Without ID, a voter can sign an ID Confirmation Statement or vote a provisional ballot, to be completed afterward with the election office.
- Maryland: ID is only requested from some voters, notably those voting for the first time in the state.
- D.C.: we could not confirm the detailed rules; check dcboe.org before you go.
Mail ballots in Maryland
A mailed ballot must be postmarked no later than November 3, or placed in an official drop box before 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Key points
Check your registration and polling place before heading out. Rules can change: only your state’s election authorities are authoritative.
This article is informational and does not replace the guidance of your election authority.
Sources
This article is our own summary. Official sources : Maryland State Board of Elections ; Virginia Department of Elections ; DC Board of Elections.
