Topics Related to Early voting
If you're planning to vote on Election Day, see these tips.
The following is a primer for reporters and editors about the 2026 general election in North Carolina.
The State Board of Elections is reminding voters that election officials are the best source for accurate, reliable, and timely information about the voting process.
North Carolina State Board of Elections officials will host an in-person and remote media availability at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 15, to discuss the start of the in-person early voting period for the 2026 general election.
The event, for credentialed members of the media only, will be held at the State Board office on the third floor of the Dobbs Building, located at 430 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, N.C. 27603.
State Board Executive Director Sam Hayes will offer brief remarks, then take questions from members of the media.
Election workers write on ballots for different reasons as required by law. This in no way affects whether your ballot will be counted.
In-person early voting for the 2026 general election begins Thursday and ends at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 in all North Carolina counties.
Statewide, 370 early voting sites will open for general election voters. Early voting is popular in general elections. In the 2024 general election, 74% of voters cast their ballots during the early voting period; in 2022, 53% did.
Eligible individuals who want to cast their ballot by mail or on Election Day, Nov. 3, must register to vote by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9.
Individuals who miss the deadline may register and vote during the early voting period at any early voting site in their county. These “same-day registrants” must attest to their eligibility, including U.S. citizenship, provide proof of where they live, and show an acceptable form of photo ID. The early voting period begins Oct. 15 and ends Oct. 31.
The State Board of Elections invites members of the public to comment on the State Board’s initial determination that nearly 30 existing administrative rules are still necessary.
On Friday, North Carolina’s 100 county boards of elections will begin sending absentee-by-mail ballots to voters who requested a ballot for this election.
That day, North Carolina will become the first state in the country to send absentee ballots to voters, marking the start of voting in the 2026 midterm general election. Election Day is November 3. For more information, go to Upcoming Election.
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 3, the final opportunity for registered voters to cast a ballot in this election. If you plan to vote on Election Day, please see these tips.