06/18/2013 6,441,229 6,441,229

Changing your voter registration in North Carolina

Changing your voter registration information - including, but not limited to name, residential address, mailing address, or party affiliation, is simple.

How?

The North Carolina Voter Registration Application, found on this website, or a written notice, may be used to change any voting information, including: name, address and party affiliation. The change notification must be signed, and should be sent to the appropriate County Board of Elections by the voter registration deadline.

What if I've moved?

When you move within a county, you should complete an in-county change of address. This can be completed on your voter identification card, a signed letter to your local board of elections, or on the form specified above.

When you move from one county to another, you will need to apply for voter registration in your new county of residence. Use the form specified above, request that an application be mailed to you, or pick up a form at any local board of elections or public library. Note that when you move within the State, the law requires that you update the address on your driver's license within 60 days.  When you obtain a duplicate drivers license, you may also elect to update your voter registration information as well.

Note that if you move during a time close to an election, the following rules apply:

  • If you have moved more than 30 days prior to the election, you will need to update your registration with your new address (or if applicable, register to vote in your new county of residence) no later than 25 days prior to the election. You will then be registered and may possibly have a new polling location. On election day, if you failed to update your voter registration, you may still vote at your new polling location, as long as you have not moved out of the county of your existing registration.  Since your move was unreported, you may be asked to vote a provisional ballot.
  • If you have moved fewer than 30 days prior to the election, you are still qualified to vote in your prior polling place and may vote only there, even if you moved outside of your county.

It is important that the board of elections is able to contact you by mail to inform you of changes to your polling place and/or voting districts, so be sure to notify the board of any changes to your mailing address.

What about other changes?

If you need to make other changes to your voter record (name change, party affiliation change, etc.), you may use the voter registration application, the form on your voter registration card, or simply send your county board of elections a note or letter. No change may be made without your signature. Note, in a partisan primary, a voter who is registered with a political party may only participate in that party’s primary. Voters who are registered as unaffiliated may participate in the primary of any political party that has opened its primary to unaffiliated voters. North Carolina’s three recognized political parties have all opened their primaries to unaffiliated voters.

How will I know the change has been made to my record?

Once you have completed and mailed your changes to your local board of elections, allow two to six weeks for delivery of your voter identification card. Read the information thoroughly and note any changes or mistakes on the card. A voter identification card is for your use only, you do not need the card in order to vote.