2026 Electionsin North Carolina

To vote in North Carolina, the requirements are:

• To be a citizen of the United States.
• Be at least 18 years old before election day (November 3, 2026).
• Reside in North Carolina and in your corresponding election precinct at least 30 days before the election.
• Not currently serving an active sentence for a serious crime (including probation or supervised release).
• Be registered to vote.

Yes.  People born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens by birth. If you live in North Carolina and meet the other eligibility requirements, you can register to vote in federal, state, and local elections.

You have several options to register:

• Online registration:  If you have a North Carolina DMV-issued driver's license or ID, you can complete your registration online at the State Board of Elections portal.
• Register by mail or in person:  You can complete a paper application (available in Spanish) and submit or mail it to your county Board of Elections.
• Same-day registration during early voting:  North Carolina allows you to register and vote on the same day at any early voting center in your county by presenting proof of residency.

The regular deadline to register for the general election is Friday, October 9, 2026 at 5:00 pm 

If you miss this date, you can still register and vote during the early in-person voting period, which ends on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 3:00 pm 

Yes.  You do not need to have voted in the primaries to participate in the general elections on November 3.

You can vote early from the Thursday, October 15th until Saturday, October 31st, 2026 at 3:00 pm 

During that period:

• You can vote at any early voting center in your county.
• You can register and vote on the same day.
• You can update your address if you recently moved.

Locations and times vary by county. Please check the State Board of Elections website.

Step 1: Request the ballot.  You must request it before October 20, 2026 at 5:00 pm  online or via printed form.

Step 2: Complete the ballot.  Fill out your ballot in the presence of two witnesses  over 18 years of age, or of a public notary .

Step 3: Return the ballot.  Your ballot must arrive at the Electoral Board before the 7:30 pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Be sure to include a copy of your photo ID or an ID exception form.

El November 3 Tuesday of 2026  You may only vote at the polling station assigned to your precinct. The polls will be open from 6: 30 am to 7: 30 pm  If you are in line before 7:30 pm, you are entitled to vote.

A photo ID is required. Accepted forms of identification are:

• North Carolina driver's license.
• NCDMV State Identification (“Non-Carrier ID”).
• US passport or passport card.
• Voter ID card with photo issued by the county board of elections.
• Approved college or university student photo ID.
• Approved state or local employee identification.

In most cases, the identification may have been expired for up to a year.

You can go to your county board of elections to get a free photo ID if you are registered to vote. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

You can also get a free state ID card to vote at the NCDMV.

Yes.  If it does not display acceptable identification, it may:

• Complete an Identification Exception Form and then vote with a provisional ballot.
• Or vote with a provisional ballot and bring photo identification to your county board of elections before noon on the third working day after the election.

Yes.  All polling places offer curbside voting for those voting from their vehicles due to age or physical disability. You can also vote by mail or request in-person assistance inside the voting booth.

Yes.  In general elections you can choose candidates from different parties for different positions on the same ballot.

No.  But voting is one of the most important ways to participate in and influence decisions that directly affect your community.

If you are still a resident of North Carolina, you can request and cast your vote using an absentee ballot by mail.

Yes.  Members of the armed forces and citizens abroad can use special absentee voting programs under the UOCAVA law to register and vote.

Yes.  Those who become naturalized close to election day can register and vote during early voting or on election day itself by presenting their naturalization certificate at their corresponding Electoral Board.