Under state law, election officials must release the number of provisional ballots cast by voting method in each county in North Carolina by noon two days after each election. [Provisional voting requirements (N.C.G.S. § 163-166.11(5))]The PDF at the following link shows the number of provisional ballots cast in each county by voting method during the March 3, 2026, Primary Election.
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North Carolina voters experienced one of the smoothest Election Days in recent history, with no major disruptions, equipment problems, or administrative issues reported across the state’s 100 counties. The successful administration of the election reflects months of preparation by county boards of elections and the dedication of thousands of poll workers who served voters with professionalism and integrity.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted unanimously Tuesday to extend voting by one hour – to 8:30 p.m. – at Halifax County’s Littleton precinct (Littleton United Methodist Church, 105 E. South Main St., Littleton).The voting site for this precinct was delayed in opening on Election Day morning due to a synchronization issue with electronic poll books, and backup procedures were not immediately employed.
State Board of Elections staff on Wednesday, March 4, will randomly select precincts, early voting sites, and absentee-by-mail ballots to be counted by hand in every county as part of a required post-election audit for the 2026 primary elections 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.
In-person early voting for the 2026 primary election begins Thursday and ends at 3 p.m. February 28 in all 100 counties.
The regular voter registration deadline for the March 3 primary is Friday, February 6. Eligible individuals may still register and vote during the early voting period at any early voting site in their county.
Unanimous vote passes during Tuesday meeting of the board
On Nov. 5, the State Board of Elections staff will randomly select precincts, early voting sites, and absentee-by-mail ballots to be counted by hand in the counties with November municipal elections.
Members of the press who wish to attend the press briefing with election officials in person must RSVP.