Learn about all the options to vote in North Carolina to make a plan to vote that works for you!
North Carolina Board of Elections Phone Number: (919) 814-0700
Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or need to update your address, name or party affiliation - we've got you covered!
Not sure if you are eligible to vote due to a felony conviction?
Click here to learn more.
Request and track
Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in North Carolina.
Voting by mail is a two step process in North Carolina.
Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be received is October 31st at 5 p.m.
Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.
The absentee ballot return envelope must be signed by 1 notary or 2 witnesses.
Remember to sign your return ballot.
You must sign the outside of the security envelope!
Make sure to follow the signature and witness instructions. Without the proper signatures, your ballot will be tossed and will not count.
First time voters must submit ID when voting by mail.
ID is required with completed mail-in ballot.
If a voter is requesting to vote by mail they must submit North Carolina driver’s license or state ID number, or last four digits of their social security number. ID does not need to be sent when returning a ballot in the mail, but the signature on the ballot will be checked against the signature on the voter registration form. Absentee ballots will not be counted unless the affidavit is notarized or has the signatures of 2 non-prohibited witnesses.
If you return your ballot by mail, you must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.
You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office, or early voting locations.
A near relative or legal guardian may mail or hand-deliver the Return Envelope.
Track your ballot by clicking here.
You may still vote in person as long as you haven't returned your absentee ballot. Your absentee ballot will be "spoiled" after voting in person. You may simply discard the absentee ballot. There is no need to bring it with to a polling place.
North Carolina does not offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot. Your ballot will not count if it is late, or you do not follow directions.
Voters in North Carolina do not need to show ID at the polls to vote, except for some first-time voters who did not provide required ID information on their voter registration form.
In December 2019 the court blocked North Carolina’s voter ID law for the primary election cycle. Stay tuned for updates on additional rulings and voter ID requirements in North Carolina. At this time registered voters in North Carolina do not need to show ID at the polls or by-mail to vote except for first-time voters who did not provide required ID information on their voter registration form.
Accepted forms of ID include:
Enter your address below to see what you can expect on Election Day.
Your state automatically registers people to vote at the address on their drivers license or other state issued ID card. If you have moved but have not updated your ID with your new address, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.
You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.
You can return your mail-in ballot to your early voting site.
Click here to find early voting sites in your county. You may register to vote at early voting locations.
Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.
In North Carolina, you can preregister to vote if you are 16. Register to vote today!
Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!
You can vote in the North Carolina primaries if you are 17 by the next election.
