Absentee Ballot Return Deadline | October 2021 Municipal Elections

Overview

5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, is the civilian absentee ballot return deadline and Election Day for October 2021 municipal elections. Please note:

• If your absentee ballot arrives at your county board of elections office after 5 p.m., it will be counted only if it is postmarked on or before Election Day.
  • Your county board of elections office must receive your absentee ballot, postmarked on or before Election Day, no later than 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 8, 2021.
• Absentee ballots without a postmark must be received by Election Day.
• You may return your ballot to an early voting site in your county during the early voting period, but not to a polling place on Election Day.

2 Ways to Return Your Ballot

1. Mail your ballot:

   • Include correct postage (55 cents or one Forever Stamp) on your ballot return envelope. Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day and received no later than 5 p.m. three days after Election Day.
   • We strongly recommend you mail your ballot well before Election Day, to help ensure it arrives in time. If you place your ballot in a USPS drop box on Election Day it may not be postmarked until the day after, depending on pickup time for that box.

2. Return your ballot in person:

   • You can return your ballot to your county board of elections office or to a one-stop early voting site in your county.
   • If returning to your county board of elections office on Election Day, it must be received by 5 p.m.
   • You may not return your ballot to a polling place on Election Day.

Learn More

• Find more information at Detailed Instructions to Vote By Mail in 2021.
• Find answers to your absentee-by-mail voting questions at FAQ: Voting By Mail in North Carolina in 2021.
• Get an overview of absentee-by-mail voting in 2021 at Vote By Mail.