Warning: 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.
Note - this information below may change for your state due to ongoing litigation and legislation. This page will be updated within 24 hours of any change.
You can vote early in your state before Election Day. Early voting begins on 10/19/2023 and ends on 11/04/2023
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.
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.
You don’t need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. You can vote by mail for any reason.
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.
The absentee ballot return envelope must be signed by 1 notary or 2 witnesses.
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.
You must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.
A near relative or legal guardian may mail or hand-deliver the Return Envelope.
Look Up Ballot Drop Off LocationsClick here to track your ballot. Your state offers electronic, barcode ballot tracking services so you can make sure your ballot gets counted. You may get a phone call from a number that you do not recognize with a notification that you need to track your ballot. Be sure to answer so you don't miss your chance to make sure your vote is counted.
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.
The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.
Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.
Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.