How To Vote On DWTS: A Simple Guide

Nick Leason

-Oct 29, 2025

Learn how to vote for your favorite stars on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS)! Voting typically opens during the live broadcast and closes shortly after the end of the show. Fans in the United States, and sometimes Canada, can cast their votes to help determine which celebrity dancers advance. This guide provides step-by-step instructions and important details to ensure your vote counts, impacting the outcome and supporting your favorite teams.

Key Takeaways

Vote during the Live Show: Voting usually occurs during the live broadcast on ABC (or streaming platforms) and briefly after.
Multiple Voting Methods: You can vote online at ABC.com, via the ABC app, and sometimes through SMS text.
Free Voting: Both online and app voting are typically free, while SMS may have standard text message rates.
Vote Limits: Be aware of voting limits per method to maximize your impact.
Eligibility: Voting is generally restricted to viewers within the United States and Canada.

Introduction

Dancing with the Stars has captivated audiences for nearly two decades, largely because the fans at home play an active role in determining who stays and who goes. Each season, viewers eagerly anticipate the chance to support their favorite celebrity-professional dancer pairings. Understanding how to vote is critical to making your voice heard and ensuring your chosen couple progresses in the competition. This guide breaks down the voting process, making it easy for both new and returning viewers to participate.

What & Why

Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) thrives on audience participation. Voting allows fans to directly influence the outcome, adding an element of excitement and investment beyond just watching the performances. It provides a way for viewers to actively engage with the show, build support for their favorite stars, and potentially sway the judges' decisions. Here's why voting matters: — Cub Foods Monticello: Your Local Grocery Guide

Direct Impact: Your votes contribute directly to the final scores, potentially saving a couple from elimination.
Fan Engagement: Voting increases engagement and excitement around the show, encouraging viewers to tune in each week.
Celebrity Support: It shows support for the celebrities, motivating them and their professional partners.
Influence the Results: A significant number of votes can often shift the balance of the competition, keeping fan favorites in the game.

Risks:

Missed Deadlines: Failing to vote within the designated time frame means your vote won't count.
Technical Issues: Technical difficulties on voting platforms might prevent some votes from being registered.
Geographic Restrictions: Voting may be limited to specific geographic regions.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

Voters have multiple ways to cast their ballots during the live show. Here’s a breakdown of each voting method, along with step-by-step instructions: — Mount Etna Weather: A Complete Guide To Conditions

1. Online Voting via ABC.com

Step 1: Go to the DWTS Voting Page: During the live show, visit ABC.com or search “DWTS voting” on the ABC website. A direct link will usually be provided on-screen during the broadcast.
Step 2: Sign In or Create an Account: You may need an ABC account to vote online. Sign in if you already have one, or create a free account if you're a new user.
Step 3: Select Your Couple: Choose the celebrity-professional dancer pairing you want to vote for.
Step 4: Submit Your Votes: Follow the on-screen prompts to submit your votes. There is typically a limit to the number of votes you can cast per device/account, per voting method.
Step 5: Confirm and Verify: Ensure your votes are successfully submitted. You may receive a confirmation message.

2. Voting via the ABC App

Step 1: Download the ABC App: Download the ABC app on your smartphone or tablet from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Step 2: Find the DWTS Section: Open the app and navigate to the Dancing with the Stars section. Look for a dedicated voting tab or link.
Step 3: Sign In or Create an Account: You will likely need to sign in with, or create, your ABC account.
Step 4: Cast Your Votes: Select your preferred couple and submit your votes, following the instructions provided.
Step 5: Verify Submission: Confirm that your votes have been successfully registered.

3. SMS Text Voting (If Available)

Step 1: Check for Instructions: During the live show, watch for on-screen instructions that specify the text voting details (if available). This will include a unique keyword and a designated number.
Step 2: Text Your Vote: Text the provided keyword to the specified number. Standard text messaging rates may apply.
Step 3: Await Confirmation: You may receive a confirmation text message to verify your vote.

Examples & Use Cases

Case Study: The Impact of Fan Voting: In past seasons, strong fan voting has saved couples from elimination despite lower scores from the judges. This demonstrates the critical role that audience votes play. For example, a couple who consistently performs well but lacks fan support might be at risk, while another with a dedicated fan base could survive despite less-than-perfect scores.
Example: Maximizing Your Voting Impact: To maximize your impact, use all available voting methods. If you have multiple devices (phone, tablet, computer), vote on each one within the allowed limits. Encourage friends and family to vote to create a wider impact.
Use Case: Following Voting Trends: Pay attention to social media and online discussions to gauge which couples have strong fan bases and which are in need of support. This can help you strategically cast your votes to influence the outcome. If a fan favorite is in danger, make sure to vote, as that can make the difference between them staying or going home.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Here’s how to ensure your votes count, plus common errors to avoid: — Unified Products & Services: Your Guide

Best Practices

Vote Early and Often: Cast your votes as soon as the voting window opens. Utilize all available voting methods and devices to maximize your impact.
Stay Informed: Follow DWTS social media channels and the ABC website to stay updated on voting rules and any changes. Check for announcements regarding voting deadlines and methods.
Encourage Others: Spread the word! Tell friends, family, and other DWTS fans to vote. The more people who participate, the greater the impact.
Use Multiple Devices: If you have multiple devices, use them all to vote. Most platforms allow voting from various devices linked to the same account.

Common Mistakes

Missing the Deadline: Voting windows are short. Ensure you vote within the specified timeframe.
Incorrect Information: Double-check that you're voting for the correct couple and using the correct method.
Ignoring Voting Limits: Exceeding the vote limits per method or device can invalidate your votes.
Not Creating an Account: Failing to set up an ABC account (if required) can prevent you from voting online or through the app.
Incorrect Region: Be sure to vote from an eligible region.

FAQs

When does voting usually open and close? Voting typically opens at the beginning of the live show and closes shortly after the end of the show (usually after the last commercial break). Check for on-screen announcements during the broadcast.
Can I vote from outside the United States and Canada? Generally, no. Voting is usually restricted to viewers within the United States and Canada. Check the specific rules for each season, as this can sometimes change.
How many votes can I cast? The number of votes allowed varies by season and platform. There are typically limits per device/account, per method. Instructions will be provided during the live show.
Is voting free? Yes, online and app voting are typically free. However, SMS text voting (if available) may incur standard text message rates.
How do I know my vote has been counted? You might receive a confirmation message on the voting platform or on your device after you submit your votes. Also, you can often see the results and percentages as the show progresses.
What happens if I miss the deadline? Your vote will not be counted. That’s why it’s important to vote during the live show.
Do the judges' scores affect the outcome? Yes. The judges' scores, combined with the audience votes, determine which couples are safe and which are eliminated. The judges often have a very high percentage of influence on the outcomes.

Conclusion with CTA

Now that you know how to vote on Dancing with the Stars, be sure to tune in during the live shows and make your voice heard! Support your favorite dancers by voting using all available methods – online, via the app, and through text (if available). Every vote counts, so don't miss out on the chance to influence the outcome and keep your favorite couple in the competition. Start voting tonight and help decide who takes home the mirrorball trophy!

Last updated: October 26, 2024, 10:00 UTC