North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA: GET READY TO VOTE

10/9/26Online/Mail Voter Registration Deadline
10/15/26Start of Early Voting
10/20/26Mail-In Ballot Request Deadline
10/31/26End of Early Voting &
In-Person Voter Registration Deadline
11/3/26Election Day

Review the critical election deadlines to ensure you’re prepared to vote!

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FIND YOUR VOTING OPTIONS

Election Day is almost here. Find out how to cast your vote below:

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GET READY TO VOTE

Make a plan to vote on Election Day.

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Have a specific question? Use the options below to find your answer and make a plan to vote.

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NORTH CAROLINA VOTING INFORMATION

Voter Registration

How to register to vote: In North Carolina, voters can register to vote online, by mail, or in-person. Click below to register to vote by mail or online, or visit your county board of elections to register in-person.

Voter Registration Deadline: The North Carolina voter registration deadline is 25 days prior to the election. Registration applications sent by mail must be received by the county board of elections or postmarked by this deadline. Individuals who miss the deadline may register and vote at any early voting site in their county during the early voting period (Oct. 15 – Oct. 31).

Online Applications: Oct. 9
Applications by Mail: Received or postmarked by Oct. 9
In-Person Applications: Oct. 9 at 5:00 PM
Same-Day Registration: Available at early voting sites Oct. 15 – Oct. 31

Check Your Registration Status

Requesting an Absentee Ballot

Who can vote via absentee ballot? Any registered voter can vote via absentee ballot in North Carolina. No excuse is required.

When can absentee ballots be requested? Absentee ballots must be requested by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday two weeks before Election Day.

Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: All absentee ballot applications must be received by Oct. 20 at 5:00 PM.

Voting & Returning an Absentee Ballot

When are ballots first mailed out? Sept. 4

County boards of elections mail absentee ballots to all eligible applicants starting 60 days before an election.

How to return an absentee ballot:

By Mail: Follow the instructions provided with your absentee ballot materials.
In-Person: Return your ballot at the county board of elections. Absentee ballots may be returned at the county board of elections office or at an early voting site in the voter’s county. Absentee ballots may not be returned to a polling place on Election Day.
At a Ballot Drop Box: N/A

Deadline to Return an Absentee Ballot: 7:30 PM on Nov. 3

Ballots must be received before polls close on Election Day.

**If you are mailing back your absentee ballot after you’ve completed and signed it, it is recommended that you allow at least a week for it to be received.**

How to track your ballot: Click here

Early Voting

Who can vote early in North Carolina? Any registered voter can vote early in North Carolina. No excuse is required.

First Day of Early Voting: Oct. 15

Early voting begins no earlier than the third Thursday before an election.

Last Day of Early Voting: Oct. 31 at 3:00 PM

Early voting ends no later than 3:00 PM on the last Saturday before an election.

*Dates and times may vary by county. Please check with your local election officials for dates and hours of operation.*Find your early voting location: Click here