Voter Resources

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NC VOTING IN 2026

Key Election Dates and Voting Options

• In-Person General Election Day Voting: Tuesday, November 3

o Polls open 6:30 am–7:30 pm

o If you’re in line by 7:30 pm, you can vote.

• In-Person Early Voting: October 15–31

o Same-day registration available during early voting)

o Schedules and location vary by county

• Absentee Voting/Vote by Mail

o Ballots Begin Mailing: September 4

o Ballot Request Deadline: October 20 by 5pm

o Ballot must be received by the County Board of Elections office by 7:30 pm on November 3

• Voter Registration Deadline: October 9, 2026. After that, you’ll have to wait to register at Early Voting.

Photo ID Required

• If a voter cannot show an acceptable photo ID when voting in person, they can still vote by filling out an ID Exception Form.

• Accepted IDs include NC driver’s license, state ID, passport, and other approved forms listed here: https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id

Check Your Registration - with the Voter Search Tool, confirm:

• Your registration status

• Your polling place

• Your sample ballot

• Absentee ballot information

Important Note About Citizenship Verification

NC is comparing voter registration data with a federal citizenship database. Voters are receiving notices that the records don’t match.

No. This does not affect your ability to vote. This effort is for accuracy of voter records, not eligibility.

Need Help?

North Carolina State Board of Elections

Email: elections.sboe@ncsbe.gov

Phone: (919) 814-0700

https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id