Updated September 23, 2026: If you searched for DWTS vote, DWTS voting, vote DWTS or the DWTS text number, the official rules are straightforward: eligible viewers can vote online and, for U.S. viewers, by SMS during the live voting window.
ABC says online and SMS voting open during the initial simulcast and close shortly after the final competitive dance. The current official instructions are published by the ABC Help Center.
How do you vote for DWTS in 2026?
- Go to dwtsvote.abc.com.
- Create an account or log in.
- Verify your email when prompted.
- Select your preferred couple during the live voting window.
- Use “Save Votes” after making or changing online selections.
U.S. viewers can also vote by SMS. ABC says viewers text the contestant-specific keyword to 21523. The exact keyword for each couple is displayed when voting opens, so viewers should use the keyword shown in the live voting interface rather than relying on an old screenshot or archived list.
What is the DWTS text number?
The official SMS voting number for Season 35 is 21523. The keyword changes by contestant, and ABC publishes the active keywords during each voting window.
How many DWTS votes can one person cast?
ABC's current rules allow up to 10 votes per couple per voting method. That means an eligible viewer can cast up to 10 online votes and up to 10 SMS votes for the same couple, for a potential total of 20 votes per couple per voting window.
You can vote for multiple couples. Online votes can be changed during the voting window, while SMS votes cannot be changed after they are submitted.
Who can vote for Dancing With the Stars?
For online voting, ABC requires viewers to be at least 18 and physically located in the United States, its territories or Canada. SMS voting is limited to viewers in the U.S. and its territories with a participating wireless carrier.
When does DWTS voting open?
ABC says voting opens at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT during the initial live simulcast and closes shortly after the final competitive dance. Voting is not available during later broadcasts or next-day streaming.
Why the live window matters
DWTS is different from a traditional pre-recorded reality competition because viewer votes are tied to the live broadcast. The judges provide scores, but the audience vote is part of the elimination process. That is why searches for DWTS voting and DWTS vote number spike around the live episode.
Season 35 also had a notable voting issue during the premiere. ABC and other coverage reported a temporary problem with online voting on the first night, which led the show to rely on SMS votes for that specific situation. The official rules should be treated as the current source for later episodes.
DWTS vote quick answer
Online: dwtsvote.abc.com. SMS: text the active contestant keyword to 21523. Limit: 10 votes per couple per method. Window: during the initial live simulcast only.
For the latest elimination, visit our DWTS results story.
FAQ
What number do I text to vote on DWTS?
Text the active contestant keyword to 21523 during the live voting window.
Can I vote for more than one DWTS couple?
Yes. ABC says eligible viewers may vote for multiple couples during the voting window.
Can I change a DWTS text vote?
No. SMS votes cannot be changed after submission. Online votes can be adjusted during the open voting window.
Do I need Disney+ to vote?
No. ABC says a Disney+ subscription is not required to vote.
Source: ABC official voting rules.
