What you need to know

• It’s Tuesday, November 5 – election day. In the DC area, that means watch parties and increased security. Streets near Howard University are closed for Kamala Harris’ night watch party. A full list of street closures can be found here.
• Meanwhile, Election Day freebies around the DMV include discounted rides to the polls, food deals and drink specials.
• In the presidential race, all eyes will be on voters in seven battleground states
• In DC, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m Many eyes are on Ward 8, where Councilman Trayon White decided to continue his re-election efforts despite a federal bribery indictment. Ward 7 and the DC Council seats at large are contested, while Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton is likely to win her 18th term. Additionally, Initiative 83 could change the way future elections are conducted.
• In Maryland, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m The U.S. Senate race between former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan and Democratic Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks is the biggest one to watch. Also on the ballot, Question 1 asks voters to approve or reject a measure enshrining reproductive freedom in the state constitution.
• In Virginia, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m Incumbent Democratic Senator Tim Kaine faces Republican challenger Hung Cao. We are also closely watching the competitive U.S. House of Representatives races in Virginia’s 7th and 10th districts, which could help determine the balance of power in Congress.
• Do you still have to vote? Check out our voter guides for DC, Maryland and Virginia for information on same-day registration, polling places, voter ID laws and more.
• And remember: If you are in line when the polls close, stay in line. It is your right to vote while standing in line.