NORTH CAROLINA VOTES 2026

VOTE

North Carolina votes on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Registration closes October 9.* Early voting runs October 15-31. Whether you vote early, by mail, or on Election Day, this page has the dates and links you need to make your plan.

OCT 9

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

OCT 15-31

EARLY VOTING

NOV 3

ELECTION DAY

KEY DATES

Mark your calendar. These are the official deadlines for North Carolina's November 3, 2026 general election.

01

SEPT 4, 2026

Absentee ballots begin mailing

County boards of elections start mailing absentee-by-mail ballots to voters who requested one.

02

OCT 9, 2026

Voter registration deadline

Last day to register, or update your name, address, or party, ahead of Election Day.

03

OCT 15, 2026

In-person early voting begins

Vote at any early voting site in your county. Eligible voters who missed the Oct 9 deadline can register and vote at the same time during early voting.

04

OCT 20, 2026

Deadline to request an absentee-by-mail ballot

Your request must be received by your county board of elections by 5:00 p.m.

05

OCT 31, 2026

Early voting ends

Last day to vote early in person. Sites close at 3:00 p.m. on the final Saturday.

06

NOV 3, 2026

Election Day

Polls are open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Vote at your assigned precinct. If you are in line by 7:30 p.m., you can vote.

THREE WAYS TO VOTE

Every registered North Carolina voter can choose the option that works best for them.

OPTION 01

Vote Early In Person

Oct 15 - Oct 31

• Vote at any early voting site in your county, not just your precinct.

• Same-day registration is available for eligible voters.

• Bring acceptable photo ID.

OPTION 02

Vote by Mail

Request by Oct 20

• Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot.

• Ballots begin mailing Sept 4.

• Return ballot by mail or in person to your county board of elections by Election Day.

OPTION 03

Vote on Election Day

Tuesday, Nov 3

• Polls open 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Vote at your assigned precinct polling place.

• Bring acceptable photo ID.

REGISTER

TO VOTE

The deadline to register for the November 3 election is Friday, October 9, 2026.*

Not sure if you're registered, or recently moved? Take two minutes to check. The NC State Board of Elections is the official source for registering, updating your address, and confirming your status.

Your plan in three steps

01

Register or confirm

Register, or look up your existing registration, by October 9.

02

Pick how you'll vote

Early in person (Oct 15-31), by mail (request by Oct 20), or on Election Day (Nov 3).

03

Show up ready

Know your site, bring an acceptable photo ID, and give yourself time.

17 DAYS

of in-person early voting, October 15 through October 31.

ANY SITE

During early voting you can cast your ballot at any early voting location in your county.

PHOTO ID

North Carolina voters are asked to show an acceptable photo ID when voting in person.

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Election dates and voting rules are set by the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Always confirm details at ncsbe.gov.

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