The following is a primer for reporters and editors about the 2026 general election in North Carolina.
Topics Related to Polling places
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.
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.
The county boards of elections in Guilford and Rockingham counties on Tuesday morning will begin a partial hand recount of ballots in randomly selected precincts in the N.C. Senate District 26 contest between candidates Phil Berger and Sam Page.
The State Board of Elections will hold a remote meeting via WebEx at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
North Carolina elections officials will host an in-person and remote news conference at 11 a.m. on Primary Election Day (Tuesday, March 3) to provide information and answer questions about the 2026 primary election in North Carolina.
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.
Members of the press who wish to attend the press briefing with election officials in person must RSVP.
Things to know about voting in North Carolina’s municipal elections on Tuesday, Nov. 4.