NC Voter Info

Here are the key points about voter information and regulations in North Carolina, effective for the 2026 elections:

Voter Registration

• Eligibility: To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the county for at least 30 days before the election, at least 18 years old by the general election day, and not currently serving a felony sentence.

• Methods: You can register online via the NCDMV website (for existing DMV customers), by mail using a paper application, or in person during the early voting period.

• Deadline: The standard registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day.

• Same-Day Registration: If you miss the regular deadline, you can register and vote on the same day, but only at an early voting site during the early voting period, not on Election Day. 

Voting Methods and Deadlines

• Early Voting: This period begins the third Thursday before an election and ends the last Saturday before Election Day. You can vote at any open early voting site in your county.

• Election Day: On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place. Polls are generally open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m..

• Absentee by Mail: All voters can vote by mail. The deadline to request a ballot is typically two weeks before Election Day. The completed ballot must be received by the county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. 

Voter ID Requirements

• Photo ID is Required: North Carolina requires voters to show a valid photo ID when voting in person or by mail.

• Acceptable IDs: Common acceptable IDs include a NC driver's license, an NCDMV-issued non-operator ID, a U.S. passport, or a military/veteran ID. Most IDs must be unexpired or expired for one year or less, but military and tribal IDs have no expiration restriction.

• Free IDs: You can get a free photo ID from your county board of elections or a free non-driver ID from the NCDMV.

• No ID? You Can Still Vote: If you don't have an acceptable photo ID, you can still vote by completing a Photo ID Exception Form (also called a "reasonable impediment" affidavit) that explains why you can't provide one.