WASHINGTON — Voters will be heading to the polls in the Nov. 5, 2024 elections to pick the next president of the United States. Former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris go head-to-head in that race.
But there are several other key races that voters in the DMV will have the opportunity to have their voices heard. WUSA9 wants to make sure you are prepared before you cast your ballot. Below, you will find common Election Day questions answered, ranging from how to check your voter registration status, find your polling place, see sample ballots, what to bring with you to the polls and how to vote early or by mail.
Am I registered?
You can confirm your voter registration status online in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
The deadline to register online or by mail has passed, but you can register in person through Nov. 5. in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Where and when do I vote?
D.C.
Find your polling place for early voting and on Nov. 5 here. You can also find your closest ballot drop box at that link.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Early voting hours vary by location.
MARYLAND
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Early voting hours vary by location.
VIRGINIA
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Election Day. Early voting hours vary by location.
What do I need to bring to vote in person?
Virginia is the only locality in the DMV that requires identification (see list of acceptable IDs) to be shown. If you forget your ID, though, don't give up — you can ask to sign an ID statement affirming your identity and still be given a regular ballot.
In D.C. and Maryland, if you've voted there before you should not be asked to show an ID. If it's your first time voting in the region, and you didn't provide an ID when registering, you may be asked to show identification. See acceptable offers in DC here and in Maryland here.
What's on the ballot?
Outside of the race for president between Trump and Harris, candidates and issues on the ballot will look different based on where you live. It's best to familiarize yourself with what you're voting on ahead of time, by reviewing your sample ballot.
- In D.C. you can find a sample ballot, based on your Ward, click here. There is also a proposal on D.C. ballots this year seeking to make two changes to voting in the District called “Initiative 83.” You can read about it here.
- If you live in Virginia, you can view your sample ballot here. There is a constitutional amendment regarding tax exemptions and military spouses that will be on all Virginia voters' ballots, and many Virginia counties have bond issues up for approval this year. You can read about all ballot amendments/questions here.
- And in Maryland, see sample ballots here. A constitutional amendment regarding reproductive freedom is also on Maryland ballots, as well as charter amendments/referendums and bond issues varying by county. You can read about all ballot amendments/questions here.
What if I can't make it out to vote on Nov. 5?
If you won't be able to get to your polling center on Election Day during the voting hours, your options are to vote by mail, or vote early.
Early voting is underway in Virginia through Nov. 2. Find locations and hours here. To vote by mail, your request for a ballot must be received by Oct. 25, and your return ballot must be postmarked by Nov. 5.
Early voting in Maryland will run from Oct. 24 to Oct. 31. Find early voting centers here. To vote by mail, your request for a ballot must be received by Oct. 29, and your return ballot must be postmarked by Nov. 5.
D.C. allows early voting from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3. Find hours for early centers here, once they open. The District also sends all registered voters a ballot in the mail a few weeks ahead of the election. It must be returned in a ballot drop box or postmarked by Nov. 5 for eligible returns.